RESETTLEMENT FOR ALL RANKS
TRADE UP! … to the wide range of roles on offer in Britain’s building sector
January 2017
FAMILY MATTERS
Resettlement: it’s not all about you
A very happy new year to all readers and advertisers! PLUS: Oil and gas Renewables Utilities The only monthly resettlement magazine distributed to all MoD units by BFPO under contract
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www.gastectraining.co.uk Gastec has more than 1 years experience in the resettlement training of MoD Service Leavers, with over successfully trained students now working within the industry. Other providers promise - we deliver!
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Gastec Training has for many years worked closely with Britain’s armed forces as they prepare for civilian life. At Gastec we recognise the commitment you have made while serving and welcome the opportunity to ensure you have a prosperous future as you leave the armed forces. The Gastec New Entrant Gas Course will prepare you for an interesting and lucrative career in the gas utility sector. Call now for a special reduced pricing offer on this course.
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CALL +44(0)1908 587665 Gastec Training & Assessment Centres Ltd. 6 Newmarket Court, Kingston, Milton Keynes, Bucks MK10 0AQ
enquiries@gastectraining.co.uk
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T
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EDITOR A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR
to all QUEST readers – and a warm welcome to our first issue of 2017. This month – like every other – it’s all about the new start. In this issue, we’re on-site for a look at careers in the building trades, a sector now on the up, which is having a positive effect on both the renewables and utilities sectors in turn. Together, all three comprise a vast industry with the potential for you to get involved in an array of roles – many of them outdoors, which might suit you? We also examine the on- and offshore roles available in the oil and gas industries, where Forces leavers in particular are finding themselves in demand. But, even before finding your feet in a new job, it may be that you have to work hard at home as well – it’s not always easy to slot back in to being a full-time family member: your partner and children (if any) will have become used to your absences and you may feel like a newcomer in your own home. It can be tough, but Ralph Straw has already ‘been there, done that’ and has some tips for you on page 18. On top of all that, we have something to tell you about a new start of our own (see right) … In the meantime, take a good look at the issue in hand and prepare well for your own new beginning. You’re in good company!
Lynn Brown Editor
Quest and the Quest logo are registered trade marks of
COMING NEXT MONTH – NEW QUEST! Your one-stop information resource
INCORPORA TING COU RSES
4 FORCES
Bulldog Publishing Limited Unit B4, Beech House, Melbourn Science Park, Melbourn, Herts SG8 6HB Telephone: 01763 268120 email: info@questonline.co.uk www.questonline.co.uk EDITOR Lynn Brown
February 2017
ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER David Lidbury
AIM HIGHER!
Your HE optio
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ELCs Next month sees EXPL AINE D the launch of new BEYOND TH E QUEST magazine, now BLUE LIGH T incorporating COURSES 4 FORCES. In its pages you’ll find detailed information on training courses, funding, careers and resettlement. It’s the only guide you’ll need on your Forces journey and beyond. So if you want to know all about how to claim and best use your ELC while serving – and once you’ve left – as well as all the usual practical resettlement advice and guidance you’ve come to expect from QUEST, don’t miss it! Your personal funding factfile
PLUS – GET ON COURSE FOR THESE CAREERS Healt
h and safet y Information technology Management
EMT1 Neil Rank in on life in an opens the door ambulance crew
ROUTE PLA NNING COUR SES I FUND ING
MANAGING DIRECTOR Bruce Hodge
FOR ALL RAN I CAREERSI KS RESET TLEMENT
In-depth articles on all the career areas covered by Quest throughout the year are always available on our website: visit questonline.co.uk and click on ‘Careers A–Z’ for the full list.
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Account Managers Tony Heathfield Brian Tolworthy DISTRIBUTION Martin Sells DESIGN AND PRODUCTION CB Creative Limited Tel: 01223 750566 www.cb2creative.com DIRECTORS Peter Threlfall (Chairman) Bruce Hodge (Managing) Roger Dalzell Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of information at the time of going to press. The Publishers can take no responsibility for inaccuracies due to changes after that date, nor can they accept responsibility for loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from action as a result of any material in this publication. Whilst every care is taken with artwork or film supplies, the Publishers cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage. The opinions expressed are those of the individual authors and not necessarily of the Publishers. All advertisements are accepted only on the grounds that they comply with the terms of the Trade Descriptions Act 1968 and all other relevant legislation. Inclusion of an advertisement cannot be construed as an endorsement for the advertiser or the product by the Publishers, their employees or agents. The Publishers cannot accept responsibility for any transaction between readers and advertisers. © All rights reserved. Not to be resold, lent, hired-out or otherwise reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior permission of the Publisher. Quest and Bulldog Publishing Limited are registered under the Data Protection Act (1984) registration number PX4096798
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January 2017
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JANUARY 2017 >>
Contents RESETTLEMENT MATTERS
18 Home truths >> Ralph Straw has some tips on how to deal with the difficulties of fitting in to civilian home life
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CAREERS 14 Oil and gas 20 Building trades 26 Renewables 28 Utilities
REGULARS 06 The Hub >> News, course options and first-hand reports to support your transition 38 Factfile >> Complicated rules and regs made easy 44 Career Transition Partnership courses and events 46 Job opportunities
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>> Course and training options, transition news and reader reports
>> BUSINESS START-UP
Preparing for business with ICAEW and X-Forces Part 5: Accounting records to satisfy the tax authorities By Clive Lewis, ICAEW, in conjunction with X-Forces Legally you have to keep accounting records for your business. This is so you can fill in your tax return and show the figures are right. Good records will help you to run your business more efficiently. Here we focus on accounting records needed to satisfy the tax authorities. HMRC checks on tax returns If HMRC has reason to suspect a self-assessment, Corporation Tax return or VAT return is incorrect, it will carry out a ‘compliance check’. After investigation, it may issue an assessment or amend the relevant return to collect any unpaid tax. You can ask for a review of, or appeal against, most of HMRC’s decisions, or ask for your appeal to be heard by an independent tribunal. HMRC also carries out checks on how businesses keep their records. Initially, an HMRC representative might telephone you and ask questions to help establish whether you are keeping the business records you need to meet your legal responsibilities. They may arrange a suitable date and time for a visit to your premises. The consequence of a compliance check or ‘a business records check’ may be the business having to pay additional tax as well as facing penalties. For more information, see www.hmrc.gov.uk/record-keeping/index.htm Records for Value Added Tax (VAT) Every business registered for VAT is required to maintain financial records that comply with the guidelines provided by HMRC. For more information, see www.hmrc.gov.uk/vat/index.htm Records for employers HMRC requires every business that employs staff to keep proper records for Pay As You Earn (PAYE) and for the calculation of tax liabilities. With the introduction of Real Time Information (RTI), employers must advise HMRC of their payroll at the same time as making payment to employees. For more information, see www.hmrc.gov.uk/paye Limited company accounts It is a requirement of the Companies Act that every company should keep proper accounting records of money received and paid, of all sales and purchases, and of assets and liabilities. For more information, see www.gov.uk/running-a-limited-company/company-and-accountingrecords Ready to go? Register for X-Forces’ start-up and business planning support today at www.x-forces.com Help for businesses can be obtained from ICAEW’s Business Advice Service, in the form of a free, straightforward discussion with an ICAEW Chartered Accountant. Find out more at www.businessadviceservice.com
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NEW, IMPROVED
QUEST! Keep a lookout for next month’s relaunched QUEST AIM magazine, now HIGHER! incorporating COURSES ELCs EXPL AINED 4 FORCES. BEYOND TH With in-depth E BLUE LIGH T information on courses, funding, careers and resettlement, it’s the only guide you’ll need along your Forces journey and beyond. A real routeplanner for all ranks, you’ll find in its pages all you need to know about claiming your ELC while serving – and afterwards – as well as the usual QUEST practical resettlement advice you’ve come to expect. INCORPOR
ATING CO URSES
4 FORCES
February 2017
Your HE opt
ions
Your person al funding factfile
PLUS – GET ON COUR SE FOR THESE CAREE
RS Health and safety Information technology Managemen t
ROUTE PLA NNING
COURSES
Don’t miss it!
I FUNDING
EMT1 Neil Ran kin on life in an opens the door ambulance crew
FOR ALL RA NKS
I CAREERSI
RESETTLEME
NT
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Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses ust consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
The Handa Centre for the Study of Terrorism and Political Violence (CSTPV) at the University of St Andrews.
s of NEBOSH Courses
Terrorism Studies
Phoenix Health & Safety are an approved Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) provider of NEBOSH training courses. Courses are on offer at venues around the UK and beyond, or via distance learning. Innovative support methods include course materials in audiobook format, online revision modules and social media support groups. Courses available include:
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>> CHARITY NEWS
>> SCAM ALERT!
Beware fake security companies asking for advanced fees
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) has warned of a recent increase in adverts for fictitious security companies that advertise security jobs and then ask for training or licensing fees to be paid in advance. The fraudsters ask for payment to an anonymous money transfer account and then become uncontactable once the payment has been made. Individuals posing as these fake companies may advertise on job websites or may email potential candidates directly. When considering any job advertisement you are not entirely comfortable with, check that the company is a legitimate security company before you make any payment. • Does the company have a website detailing its business? • Is the address provided genuine? • Do the contact details provided include a company email or a personal email address? • Is the company asking for payment by anonymous money transfer? • Is the company registered on the Companies House website www.gov.uk/government/organisations/companies-house ? If you suspect a security company may not be genuine don’t make any payments up front. Please report any illegal activity via the SIA website at www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk/Pages/enforcementreporting.aspx or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. If you are the victim of fraud, you should contact your local police force. For further information about the SIA or to sign up for email updates, visit www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk
Back for good!
SSAFA, The Armed Forces charity – the oldest, national, tri-service military charity in the UK, which has provided support to serving personnel, veterans and their families for more than 130 years – has joined forces with celebrities to launch its ‘Got your back’ campaign, which encourages vulnerable members of the UK military community to ask for help. New research published by SSAFA reveals that fewer than 1% of personnel currently serving in the UK Armed Forces or veterans would seek help from a charity if they found themselves in need. It highlights that those who are serving, or have served, in our Forces can find it extremely challenging to admit that they have a problem and cannot cope alone. In light of these worrying results, SSAFA has launched its ‘Got your back’ campaign, which aims to address the ‘grin and bear it’ mentality that remains strong within the Forces community. Although the majority of veterans transition successfully and do well in their subsequent civilian careers and life, the campaign is targeting those who struggle, asking them not to let their pride stand in the way of asking for help. The ‘Got your back’ campaign has a simple, clear message: ‘Those who have served this country have protected our backs; don’t be too proud now to ask us to protect yours. Please call us.’ For the official
launch of the campaign, SSAFA has teamed up with 12 of the UK’s best-known TV and sports personalities – Luke Pasqualino, Melanie Sykes, Nigel Benn, Stephen Graham, Ant Middleton, Gemma Atkinson, Jorgie Porter, Jenni Falconer, Kate Wright, Chloe Lewis, Will Satch and Danielle Armstrong – to create powerful visual representations of support for the Armed Forces. Commenting on the launch of the campaign, former boxing world champion Nigel Benn, who served in the British Army for four years, says: ‘I’ve seen first-hand the problems that some people face when they leave the Forces and have to go it alone. It’s a really difficult situation to be in, you might be struggling but it’s so hard to hold your hands up and ask for help, especially when you’ve been trained to get on with the job. If you’re in the Forces and need extra support, or a veteran finding it tough to cope, please get in touch with SSAFA – they have your back.’ Currently serving members of the Armed Forces, veterans and their families in need can contact SSAFA’s Forcesline on 0800 731 4880 or via email at www.ssafa. org.uk/gotyourback Forcesline is a free, confidential helpline and email service that provides support and advice and operates independently from the military chain of command. For more information, visit www.ssafa.org.uk
>> JOB FAIRS CTP Employment Fair 2 February 2017, Newbury CTP Employment Fair 16 March 2017, Salford These CTP employment fairs offer: l a fantastic networking opportunity, whether you’re ready to apply for live jobs or simply researching the market l the chance to meet employers who already recognise the skills and experience Service leavers can offer l presentations from key employers about their recruitment processes and vacancies
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a wide range of companies, from small regional organisations to large multinationals, across a host of industry sectors l the opportunity to chat with Service support organisations, CTP staff and other Service leavers who are also going through the resettlement process. They are open only to serving and ex-military personnel who have pre-registered to attend through the CTP. This is a great networking l
opportunity. Don’t miss out on the chance to meet employers with current and future job vacancies! Book your place today. Call the Central Bookings Team on 0203 162 4410 or visit www.ctp.org.uk/events to find out more.
Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
Insight into the UK Surveillance Industry As the leading provider of covert surveillance and investigations, The Surveillance Group would like to offer military personnel the opportunity to attend a free Insight Day, to discover more about the surveillance industry. Upcoming Dates in 2017: 27th January, 24th February, 31st March Early booking will avoid disappointment, so to confirm your attendance please contact Lee on 0800 5870170 or visit our website: www.thesurveillancegroup.com
GET INTO TEACHING The Troops to Teachers non-graduate programme offers eligible Service leavers the opportunity to become outstanding teachers, gaining a University of Brighton degree and earning a salary whilst training. This employment-based programme matches you with a school in your home location for two years of training, supporting you through intensive study weeks and weekly web based university studies. We are currently recruiting Service leavers who want to train to teach as secondary subject specialists in maths, biology, chemistry, physics, computing or modern foreign languages.
Find out how you can develop your unique knowledge and experience and graduate ready to inspire the next generation:
www.brighton.ac.uk/troops l troopstoteachers@brighton.ac.uk l 01273 643598
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Get into teaching with Troops to Teachers
Teaching is a popular retraining choice for people from all walks of life. The Troops to Teachers non-graduate programme offers eligible Service leavers the opportunity to qualify as a teacher in just two years. Run by the University of Brighton, the programme matches trainees with a school in their home location, and is a mixture of employment-based training, intensive study weeks and weekly web-based university studies. The programme operates across England, provides a salary during training and has the advantage of no course fees. The current programme offers courses for those wishing to teach mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, computing or modern foreign languages in secondary schools. All courses start in September 2017. Career prospects are very good. Troops to Teachers gives schools the opportunity to recruit and select the trainees that best meet their needs, with the expectation that those teachers may go on to work in the school or group of schools in which they trained. Graham Riddle graduated from the programme and is now a science teacher. He says: ‘If you are thinking about applying, do it! I have never met such an amazing selection of people – staff and students. My studies have given me the confidence of knowing I can teach, and that I do know what I am talking about. Besides gaining the degree, which is awesome, I proved to myself that I can achieve something if I try hard enough. The University of Brighton made me believe anything is possible.’ Find out more about the programme at www.brighton.ac.uk/ troops See the advertisement on page 9
Companies recognised for supporting defence personnel Two Lincolnshire-based employers have been acknowledged for supporting defence personnel and their families. The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award recognises employers who have signed the Armed Forces Covenant, employ at least one member of the Armed Forces community and actively communicate a positive attitude of support for their employees who are members of the Reserve Forces. Cable Telecommunications Training Services (CTTS), in North Hykeham, and the University of Lincoln joined nine other employers from around the East Midlands at the awards event. The presentation, which took place at Burleigh Court Hotel in Loughborough, saw award recipients presented with a certificate for demonstrating their commitment to the Ministry of Defence. Martyn Cook, group chairman at CTTS, attended the presentation event. He says: ‘We at CTTS are grateful for the acknowledgement of our support for the Armed Forces community. We are proud to have a number of ex-Forces employees, who bring the Services ethos of respect, integrity, commitment and loyalty to the workplace for the benefit of the company and our clients.’ Ros Pepper, head of organisational development at the University of Lincoln, also attended the event. She adds: ‘As an employer of choice we have a strong employee engagement and recognition framework that enables our staff to pursue interests
Cable Telecommunications Group receiving the Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award from Vice LordLieutenant Colonel (Retd) Murray Colville TD DL
and lifestyle choices beyond their role at the university; part of this supports those who take up an active Reservist role within the Forces.’ John Wilson, the MoD’s regional employer engagement director for the East Midlands, continues: ‘It is important to recognise and reward employers who have shown both support and commitment to their Reservist employees and the other members of the Armed Forces community they employ. Demonstrating flexibility towards the training and mobilisation commitments of Reservists, or by employing Cadet Force adult volunteers, veterans or military spouses, each of our award winners has shown that it is committed to supporting the Armed Forces community.’ Get in touch 01522 880900 info@cable-training.co.uk
www.cable-training.co.uk/
CRS launches new training brochure for the Armed Forces Corporate Risk Systems Ltd (CRS) has just released its new training brochure for the Armed Forces for January 2017, with an additional ten course packages added to the 20 already approved by both ELCAS and the CTP for funding. The ten new course packages take into account the changes introduced by ELCAS in April 2016 for Service leavers with less than eight years’ service; these Service leavers are now able to claim one resettlement allowance of £3,000 instead of 3 x £1,000 – if they wish. The CRS course packages offer an excellent way of obtaining courses in line with a career in health and safety. NEBOSH, IOSH, City & Guilds and IEMA accredited health, safety and environmental courses make up most of the packages, with courses starting at level 3 and rising to level 7 (on the Qualifications and Credit Framework, QCF). CRS has trained many Service leavers over the past few years and most have gone on to obtain full-time employment as HSE managers. Lee Burden, for instance, is now SQE systems manager for Abellio Greater Anglia
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Rail; Jason Charlton is QHSE manager at Turner & Co (Glasgow); and Darren Hayes is a QHS advisor for Veolia Midlands. These are just three successful Service leavers who have retrained with CRS to obtain better qualifications that have enabled them to embark on a successful career as a health and safety professional in civvy street. Why not contact the team at CRS to find out how you can obtain qualifications that will open new doors in your civilian life and ensure you get started on a new career that will give you security and job satisfaction? Get in touch 01332 527107 advice@crsrisk.com www.crsrisk.com See the advertisement on page 33
NEBOSH personal development/ resettlement Y 2 DA
training Y 2 DA
Qualifying trainers, managers and compliance specialists for the future
www.train2train.org
FIRST AID INSTRUCTOR
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The National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety HEALTH AND SAFETY INSTRUCTOR
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Managers, trainers and health & safety specialists who have responsibilities in meeting or training legal compliance for health and safety and fire safety as well as TEACHER TRAINING OTHER COURSES those who are looking to develop a new career.
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COURSE CONTENT:
5 units delivered over the 3 weeks: Unit NGC1: Management of Health and Safety Unit NGC2: Controlling Workplace Hazards Unit NGC3: Health and Safety Practical Application TEACHER TRAINING OTHER COURSES Unit FC1: Fire Safety and Risk Management Unit FC2: Fire Safety Practical Application
Venue: Academy House, Doncaster* Price:** £2,260 *Minimum numbers required **Price per delegate
For further details on this and other courses available, including Compliance Training Instructor, Health and Safety, Food Safety and Teaching qualifications, please contact us at:
t: +44 (0)1302 363136
e: info@train2train.org w: www.train2train.org
Partner ©Train2Train 2016 (October 2016)
Centre No. 11389
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THE HUB
>> ARMED FORCES COVENANT
>> CAREERS PREP
Ex-Forces offered chance to launch media careers
Left to right: Colonel Mark Overton, Will James, Stewart Sharman and Will Eeles (all from FDM Group), Brigadier Michael Govern
Silver Award for FDM Group FDM Group, a professional services provider with a focus on IT, has been presented with a Silver Award by the MoD Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) in acknowledgement of its support for the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant. FDM signed the Armed Forces Corporate Covenant in July 2016, pledging to support HM Forces by upholding the Covenant’s key principles. In 2014, FDM established its Ex-Forces Programme, which helps individuals transition from the Services to employment in the commercial sector. At the end of their training, individuals become FDM consultants and are ready to be placed with clients. To date, FDM has trained and placed more than 200 ex-Service men and women drawn from all ranks across each Service. FDM Ex-Forces consultants undertake a training programme tailored to their role, preparing them for life on site. Courses cover professional skills development, exposure to the commercial sector and specific training in preparation to be a project manager, business analyst, data and operational analyst, tester or developer, or for a role in production support. For further details of the programme, visit fdmgroup.com
Cobseo, the Confederation of Service Charities, reports that the Chancellor of the Exchequer has awarded the Services Sound and Vision Corporation (SSVC) – a registered charity set up to entertain, connect, inform and champion Britain’s Armed Forces around the world – a grant of £1.8 million over three years to set up and run a Forces Media Academy to offer digital and broadcast media skills to Service leavers and veterans. The academy will be based at SSVC’s HQ at Chalfont St Peter, Buckinghamshire, and will offer 15 places a year starting in autumn 2017. The course will lead to an HNC-level qualification and will be taught by academic professionals. All candidates will be offered work experience with SSVC, which runs a range of TV, digital and radio services for British Forces and their
families. The course will prepare candidates for roles in Britain’s dynamic media and digital economy. SSVC chief executive Simon Bucks, says: ‘This new service builds on our unique relationship with the British military community, and will offer a real opportunity to those wanting to develop a career in the media and communications industry following their service.’ The Royal British Legion has already pledged significant financial support to the academy, which will cover students’ living expenses while they are training. A number of other military charities have also pledged support for the project. To find out more, email Samantha.Hughes@ ssvc.com or visit www.ssvc.com
Why choose Train2Train?
Train2Train is the UK’s leading provider of compliance training and instructor training courses, and has a fantastic reputation worldwide. It understands that resettlement can be a daunting experience, however the company is perfectly placed to support Service leavers through this process and assist them with planning for their future careers. Some key reasons to choose Train2Train for your resettlement training include: l successful completion of Train2Train’s compliance training instructor (CTI) course will assist you in your efforts to secure employment in any number of civilian job roles l unbeatable customer service, professionalism and integrity l innovative resources, including providing an iPad mini to those who complete the CTI course l Train2Train has preferred supplier status through the Career Transition Partnership (CTP) l Train2Train is registered with the Enhanced Learner Credits Administration Services (ELCAS) l the company has a number of associated staff members who have themselves been through the resettlement process, and are therefore able to offer guidance, advice and networking opportunities to all Service leavers. If you would like to take advantage of the benefits of using Our congratulations go to X-Forces founder and CEO, Ren Kapur, who has been awarded Train2Train for your resettlement training, then please … an MBE in HM the Queen’s Birthday Honours List. Ahead of the ceremony, she commented: ‘I am delighted to receive this honour on behalf of my dedicated team, all of our X-Forces Get in touch entrepreneurs and businesses across the country and our partners who offer us invaluable Tel: 01302 363136 support to do the work that we do.’ In three and a half years, X-Forces has supported info@train2train.org more than 700 businesses to launch and reached several thousand individuals www.train2train.org from the Armed Forces community exploring enterprise and self-employment. Ren and X-Forces are at the forefront of developing enterprise education and See the advertisement on page 11 business support to help individuals succeed in business – whatever their age and experience. For more information, please visit www.x-forces.com
>> RECOGNITION FOR EX-FORCES SUPPORT
X-Forces founder honoured
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Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
You can use your entitlement to the Enhanced Learning Credits scheme or Standard Learning Credits to help pay the cost of your education. UWTSD is an ELC Approved Provider (Provider ID: 1763) Find out more at your local Service Education Centre.
Build a Career in
WO CLM
Logistics Full and Part-Time learning SNCO CLM
Chartered Institute of Transport and Logistics (CILT): • Level 3 Certificate in Logistics and Transportation (Taught Online) • Level 5 Professional Diploma in Logistics and Transportation (Taught Online) • Level 6 Advanced Diploma
Degree and Master’s Programmes: Quest March 2016 Final_2016 07/03/2016 09:26 Page 11
• BSc(Hons) Logistics and Supply Chain Management • BSc(Hons) Logistics and Transport • MSc Logistics
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CILT Level 6 Advanced Diploma (72 Credits) £2,500
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CILT Level 5 Professional Diploma (56 Credits) £1,000 Contact: graham.orr@uwtsd.ac.uk or amanda.hughes@uwtsd.ac.uk www.uwtsd.ac.uk/logistics-manufacturing-engineering
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questonline.co.uk l January 2017
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OIL AND GAS
Field of
dreams? Working on- or offshore in the UK’s oil and gas industry is not for the faint-hearted – it’s a challenging prospect on many levels, but also well rewarded for those with the right skills, and with potential for a productive future
What’s involved?
E
xtracting oil and gas offshore is a complicated
process carried out in a harsh environment. The UK’s offshore installations range from large structures
standing on the seabed, where up to 200 people may work, to smaller floating production facilities that may employ as few as 30. The UK oil and gas extraction industry (referred to as ‘upstream’) covers the exploration, extraction and initial processing of oil and gas (hydrocarbons) from around the UK, both on- and offshore. The UK still has substantial, potentially recoverable, reserves of oil and gas, but these come with many technical
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THE VANTAGE ADVANTAGE
To find out more about LOGIC’s VantagePOB system visit www.logic-oil.com/vantagepob Alternatively, Tel: 01224 853420 email: vantagepob@collabro.co.uk
challenges. This makes the UK a high-
equal time
cost province so it is fortunate that, in
at home.
There are also fuel
its most recent Activity Survey, Oil &
Everyone
Gas UK (the trade association for the oil
works shifts,
and gas industry), reported record levels
normally of 12
of investment in the UK Continental
hours’ duration.
Shelf (UKCS) and forecast an upturn in
They work close to
production – positive news not only for
others in places where there
Britain’s energy security but also for
is little space to spend time on their own.
Employment prospects for Service leavers
employment prospects (see below).
Working conditions are noisy and dirty;
According to Oil & Gas UK, there is no
specialists in units, and a few people highly trained in fuel technology.
work is outdoors, and involves lifting and
doubt that the sector represents one of
Working onshore
carrying heavy weights, and working with
the major providers of challenging, highly
Work onshore encompasses a wide range
powerful machinery. Some of the jobs
skilled and well-rewarded jobs throughout
of activities. Scientists and technicians
available are listed in the accompanying
Britain. Dr Alix Thom, Oil & Gas UK’s Skills
work to produce improved fuels and more
box.
and Employment Issues Manager, confirms
efficient energy, while engineers and construction workers build and maintain the plant and pipelines. Energy supply is governed by
Related skills gained in the Services
that, ‘In the next few years alone, there are at least four major projects that will need 4,000 people – and 7,000 people a
Although there is no direct relationship
year will be required to support offshore
complex and sophisticated ICT systems,
between the oil and gas industry and the
activities. This is an exciting industry,
so technicians, programmers, designers
Armed Forces, as noted in the following
which not only provides highly skilled and
and trouble-shooters are involved.
section many of the skills required
well-rewarded employment, both onshore
Transporting bulk fuels by road demands
and valued by employers are taught
and offshore, but also the opportunity to
specialist transport, licences and safety
and practised by a number of people
push the boundaries in innovation and
qualifications.
in the Services. Generalist skills, such
technology. As technology advances, so
as supervisory management, project
too does the capability to extract more
Working offshore
management and administration, are
oil and gas resources, which means the
Working offshore involves two or three
sought after, as are all manner of
industry has the potential for a long-term
weeks on a rig or installation, followed by
specialists like engineers, divers and cooks.
and productive future.
questonline.co.uk l January 2017
15
Q
OIL AND GAS ‘To meet these future commitments, the industry is
growing the existing pool of talent. This means taking
JOB ROLES OFFSHORE
a collaborative approach to attracting people from
Searching
other sectors. Our sector is working together with
•
to match industry job profiles with military roles, in
Geologists locate possible sites and calculate how much oil is there
the MoD and the Career Transition Partnership (CTP) •
Geophysicists map the substructure
order to identify directly transferable positions, and highlight where training and conversion courses may be
Exploration
required.
•
benefits of recruiting men and women from the Armed
Mud loggers (geologists) analyse mud, fluid and debris from an exploratory drilling
‘Oil and gas firms are increasingly recognising the •
Reservoir engineers assess oil reserves and drilling sites
Forces, who tend to be results-orientated individuals with a can-do attitude, and a broad range of skills and
Drilling
international experience. The industry is aware that
•
Roustabouts are offshore unskilled manual labourers
there are many highly qualified and skilled individuals in
•
Roughnecks/floormen carry out the drilling operation under supervision
the Services with the capability to take on a challenging •
Derrickmen work above the rig, handling the drill pipe sections
‘Qualities such as team leadership, organisational
•
Pumpmen assist derrickmen
skills and technical knowledge are all highly prized by
•
Assistant drillers coordinate the activities on the drill floor
the sector, and career opportunities exist in the fields
•
Drillers control the drilling team
of engineering, project management, health and safety,
•
Toolpushers oversee the whole operation
and the skilled trades. The scale of the industry is
•
Rig superintendents are responsible for the operation
such that individuals can progress up the managerial
•
Drilling engineers order the drilling programme
second career in the oil and gas industry.
ladder or build a career as a subject matter expert, not to mention the vast diversity of jobs in the wider
Well services
aspects of the sector encompassing HR, logistics and
•
Operations supervisors oversee the well crew’s activities
management.’
•
Wireline operators maintain the well and the tools
•
Coiled tubing operators use a tube to pump fluids into the well
Divers The industry is also one of the largest employers of
Production
divers. Diving also requires life support technicians
•
Production engineers monitor wells and check efficiency
managing and controlling all aspects of a diver’s
•
Production operators manage the flow of oil
well-being in a decompression chamber between or
•
Control room operators (barge engineers) manage the
after dives. ROV technicians man two types of ROV
equipment that reports on production
(remotely operated vehicle): work and inspection.
Get qualified!
General operations •
Offshore installation managers are responsible for offshore operations
All offshore workers must achieve the minimum industry safety training standards, which are as follows:
•
Radio operators control movement and communications
l
introduction to the hazardous offshore environment
•
Crane operators and their assistants load and unload cargo,
l
working safely (including safety observation
and supervise teams
systems)
•
Caterers feed and water the crews
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risk assessment
•
Stewards maintain and clean accommodation
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platform integrity
•
Divers inspect and maintain subsea structures, often using
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permit to work (also called control of work)
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mechanical lifting
•
Medics deal with minor complaints and major injuries
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manual handling
•
Storemen order and hold equipment and supplies
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control of substances hazardous to health
•
Mechanics and technicians perform a variety of specialist
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working at height.
remote equipment
roles
Completion of this programme is included on the individual’s Vantage POB accreditation record and,
Business support
for this to be maintained, a refresher programme
•
will need to be taken every four years. In exceptional circumstances, an individual who has not undertaken this training may be allowed to work offshore as a ‘green hand’ under the supervision of a mentor.
16
January 2017 l questonline.co.uk
This includes accounting, legal, IT and administrative roles
OIL AND GAS FIRMS ARE INCREASINGLY RECOGNISING THE BENEFITS OF RECRUITING MEN AND WOMEN FROM THE ARMED FORCES
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE INDUSTRY •
Minimum age of 18, but the preferred range is 21–30
•
Minimum height of 1.63 m (5 ft 5 in)
that employ people qualified at this level
expect to earn £30,000-plus a year.
•
Physical fitness
account for well over half of the oil and gas
Offshore installations vary in size, but
•
Normal colour vision (for some
industry, this is a significant shortfall – and
a typical one houses a core crew of 50
jobs)
one that the industry is aiming to address.
to 100. Living quarters are compact but
Relevant employment experience
There are a large number of relevant S/
comfortable. Food is good and plentiful,
(if possible) and good Services work
NVQs to be gained, in subjects including:
record
l
Bulk liquid warehousing
l
Chemical, pharmaceutical and
and Emergency Training (BOSIET) course is
l
Forecourt operations
a minimum requirement to work offshore.
l
Measurement processes
l
Measurement processes (proving,
•
The Basic Offshore Safety Induction
petro-chemical operations
It consists of four modules: 1. Safety Induction
(maintenance)
2. Helicopter Safety and Escape (HUET)
Q
prover)
3. Sea Survival and First Aid
l
Nuclear decommissioning
4. Fire Fighting and Self Rescue.
l
Offshore deck operations
BOSIET is required for cold-water areas
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Offshore drilling operations
and includes additional training in the use
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Process engineering maintenance
of survival suits and emergency breathing
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Processing operations: hydrocarbons
systems during the HUET module. The
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Refinery control room operations
course is are OPITO accredited and
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Refinery field operations.
successful completion results in an
Cogent Skills continues to work
internationally recognised certification.
with industry to develop standards,
Those with degrees in geology,
qualifications and training. Energy &
chemistry, engineering and logistics, and
Utility Skills (the UK authority on skills
experience in project management, are
and workforce development in the energy
highly sought after. AS-levels or equivalent
and utilities industries) is also developing
are required to enter as a technician, while
occupational standards and qualifications
GCSEs or equivalent will give you a start at
for those involved in mains laying and
craft level. According to Cogent Skills (the
service laying.
UK’s strategic body for skills in the science industries, led by sector employers), there
Finding employment
is a significant under-supply of people
Competition for jobs – offshore in
qualified at S/NVQ levels 2 and 3, so you
particular – is fierce; relevant skills and
might want to think about using your ELC
experience are valued, with ex-Forces
to secure relevant qualifications at level
people often highly employable. Pay is
3 (or above, of course). As occupations
good and experienced operators can
with a range of activities provided for off-duty periods. Q
KEY CONTACTS
Cogent Skills 01925 515200 www.cogent-ssc.com @cogent_skills Energy & Utility Skills 0845 077 9922 www.euskills.co.uk @EUSkills LOGIC (Oil & Gas UK subsidiary) 01224 577250 logic@oilandgasuk.co.uk www.logic-oil.com Oil & Gas UK 020 7802 2400 info@oilandgasuk.co.uk www.oilandgasuk.co.uk @oilandgasuk OPITO (Skills for Oil and Gas) (training information) 01224 787800 reception@opito.com www.opito.com @OPITOGlobal
questonline.co.uk l January 2017
17
Q
RESETTLEMENT MATTERS
RALPH STRAW
T
oday was to be the
this takes the harder it will be
day – it had to be. I
to do, and my courage was
wanted to sign off, but
dripping away.
I was hundreds of miles away
‘It puts a lot of pressure
from my home unit. ‘I’ve come
on relationships you know,’ he
to sign off,’ I said, driving up
went on. ‘Less money … you’re
to the MPGS man, who looked
suddenly around all the time …
almost disgusted. ‘What do you
in fact a lot of people end up
want to go and do that for?’ he
breaking up.’
replied with a hint of sideburn
I didn’t have time to
envy. Why? Because I want to
consider all of this in the
get out! I mean I really don’t
sincerity that I perhaps should
want to do this any more.
have done. I didn’t consider
But it wasn’t a rhetorical
what he was telling me until
question he was asking – he
about 18 months later, when
was waiting for an answer.
my wife and I argued over
What could I say to this
the lack of money and nearly
obvious former Warrant
broke up. It was almost like she
Home truths
Officer, now at the same rank he had started at, guarding a gate? I couldn’t tell him the truth – he had a rifle after all. More importantly, he would decide whether or not I got to click the button today! ‘I’ve just had enough. It’s time to move on,’ I said. He raised an eyebrow before removing his nose from my window and opening the gate. When I reached the guardroom I found that my reputation had arrived ahead of me and all the uniformed staff were staring at me. ‘What are you getting out for?’ another MPGS chap asked me. I hate it … that’s why. I hate it and I want to get
out. ‘Just time to move on, that’s all,’ I replied. He pulled up the sagging belt buckle on his 95s, ‘Yeah … I was going to get out when I was about your age, but I’m glad I didn’t,’ he
Regular QUEST contributor Ralph Straw reports once more from the resettlement frontline. This month he muses on the difficulties of fitting back in to civilian home life following a long stint in the Forces. It’s important to remember, he says, that resettlement is not all about you – your nearest and dearest will also be facing significant upheaval and change as a result of your decision to leave. You could be in for a bumpy ride, but Ralph has some tips to help you (and your partner/family) hang in there!
said. You really shouldn’t be … I just nodded and rested my arm on the counter, hoping
before, when I spent nine months of the year overseas … what was different? And why did I have that niggling feeling that someone somewhere would be saying ‘I told you so’? So this is what I have found out about leaving the Forces: it is a challenging transition, like all changes. I sincerely hope that you are making things happen for yourself and aren’t relying on ‘it’s not what you know, it’s who you know’. Finding employment is a full-time job, particularly if you’re aiming at, or above, your weight. In fact, that is a resettlement rule: only apply for jobs that you really want! But, back to the story: it turns out that the MPGS man was quite correct and I was foolish to dismiss him (although I had other things on my mind at the time). Having less money was a
to add another car pass to my
along. ‘You married? Kids?’ he
choice I made, as the sector
collection and hurry things
continued. I see where this is
I went on to work in after
going. I’ve heard this before:
leaving (teaching) is the most
‘You can’t get out, you’ve got
rewarding in the world, but the
a family’ …
pay isn’t very high. For a while
THAT IS A RESETTLEMENT RULE: ONLY APPLY FOR JOBS THAT YOU REALLY WANT!
18
had never noticed these things
January 2017 l questonline.co.uk
‘Yeah … yeah, I have.’ I
I had a sense of guilt towards
was impatient – all I wanted
my wife and family for not
to do was sign off; the longer
earning enough – my youngest
ENCOURAGE AND SUPPORT YOUR PARTNER’S RESETTLEMENT
I encourage you to not
do well to either re-train or
make my mistakes – although
ensure that they’re current
it’s always a good way to learn,
and in date. This may cost
if you can avoid it you will save
money, so include it in
yourself and your family a lot
your resettlement budget.
of strain.
(Perhaps there’s a case for
son was still a baby and, while
street. Remember that your
I was based in Germany, she
partner will be leaving their
was able to stay off work and
friends – the people who
QUEST is all about the dos. It’s
resettlement? Let me know
care for our oldest son. But,
have supported them while
up to you in the end, but here
what you think.)
as a civilian trying to carve my
you have been away over the
are some suggestions …
own detail, I wasn’t earning
years. It may take a while for
l
enough for her to have that
Forget the don’ts, reading
MoD funding of spouses’
l
What new duties are you
Fully involve your partner
going to have at home? As
you to fit in to your new role
in every decision; it will be
I now spend more time at
‘luxury’ (as I foolishly saw it),
as a fully present partner – and
down to you in the end, but
home, I do more housework
so she went back to work in
for them to accept it! They will
other people always want
and errands. Can anyone
the evenings.
have routines and boundaries
to feel included and a fresh
guess what the source of
around the home and in their
perspective rarely injures a
friction was before?
this was for her to do – or I
lives that have served them
cause.
Most importantly: like your
did, but I was selfish. The boys
well up to this point.
I didn’t realise how hard
wanted their mum at home … and so did I. Living in a garrison
Encourage and
work and love your wife (or
support your partner’s
significant other). Be well and
about money, jobs – and
resettlement; if they have
don’t panic! Q
perhaps you may both feel
to work then they would
There will be arguments
can often feel like being
that it was better the way
in a bubble, but there are
things were before. Maybe it
lots of activities that bring
was, but you won’t know until
people together that aren’t
you try.
so easy to access in civvy
l
IT MAY TAKE A WHILE FOR YOU TO FIT IN TO YOUR NEW ROLE AS A FULLY PRESENT PARTNER
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questonline.co.uk l January 2017
19
Q
COURSE CHOICES BUILDING TRADES
The big build-up? If you’re preparing for transition and seeking to progress in a practical career, there’s a huge variety of roles to choose from in the building trades – one of Britain’s widest-ranging industry sectors Electrical engineering?
What’s involved?
C
l
and commercial requirements in particular,
l plastering
are expected to continue to be the main
l
carpentry and joinery (woodworking)
in the industry without it. The next step
drivers for the sector over the next few
l
gas installation and maintenance
may be the Inspection and Testing of
years.
l
air conditioning and refrigeration.
Electrical Installation award and, after
Work in this field covers an enormous
We will look at each of these in turn.
onstruction is Britain’s biggest
electrical installation
Basic requirement: 17th Edition Wiring Regulations
and maintenance
industry and looks set to stay that
l plumbing
way: private housing, and industrial
l bricklaying
and are put together, why not consider
and how to use them – it is virtually impossible to start
that, further qualifications to level 4 and beyond through Energy & Utility Skills (the
Electrical installation and maintenance
UK authority on professional development and employment in the energy and utilities
the building trades as a possible way to
Electrical engineers deal
industries, focusing in particular on for
construct your ideal next career? Well-
with power generation
power, gas, waste management, water and
trained, competent trades people are
and supply. Modern
renewables) and other bodies.
always in demand. Read on to get an idea
manufacturing techniques
of just some of the main roles that make up
tend to make replacement
this busy and diverse sector.
CITB (the industry training board for the construction industry and a partner in
of a faulty component more cost-effective
ConstructionSkills) predicts that there will
for the consumer than mending it in situ.
be a growing need for qualified electricians
This means much of the traditional role of
over the next couple of years, so the
the maintenance engineer has changed,
prospects are good. However, if you want
Some of the major skills in which people
with removal and reinstallation now the
to qualify as a civilian electrician you will
who work in the building trades are trained
norm. For electrical engineering, the
find that this involves a significant amount
include:
basic requirement is 17th Edition Wiring
of study/training (even if, while serving,
Building trades careers in brief
20
shows that you know the necessary regulations
variety of roles – so, if you are a practical person, interested in how things work
Regulations, which
January 2017 l questonline.co.uk
ELECTRICAL SAFETY, PART P AND DOMESTIC INSTALLER SCHEMES Part P of the Building Regulations states that certain types of household electrical work (classed as major works) must, by law, be approved by a certified contractor or building inspector. This means any new circuits, changes of consumer units, works in special locations such as bathrooms and anything that involves a new supply must be notified to building control. However, if an electrician is registered on a Domestic Installer scheme they are able to self-certify their work, saving time and money. This is what many people refer to as being officially ‘Part P’ registered. To start out in the industry, you must learn to rewire a house, pass your 2382 17th Edition Wiring Regulations and, ideally, City & Guilds 2392-10 Testing and Inspection. Awareness of a qualification covering Part P building regulations is also recommended. These courses will enable you to operate on a self-employed basis and, where necessary (for any major installations), you will need to certify your work via building control. Once the level of major installations has increased, you might look to register on a
IT IS BECOMING NECESSARY TO HOLD REGISTRATION OR CERTIFICATION OF COMPETENCE TO SECURE EMPLOYMENT IN THE INDUSTRY
domestic installer scheme in order to save time and money. To register on a scheme you will be required to complete the level 3 Certificate in Installing, Testing and Ensuring Compliance of Electrical Installations in Dwellings – or, simply put, a ‘Qualified Supervisors’ course. This course will take four to six weeks, and is suitable for self-employed electricians
you have been an electrical fitter or mechanic,
or those looking to supervise a small team of
or even an electrical artificer). Would-be electricians
installers.
must pass the Electrotechnical Services NVQ at level 3, so you
In order to become registered, you need to apply to a
might want to think about allocating your ELC funding to this.
scheme provider by completing and returning an application form
You may be able to qualify through an apprenticeship scheme
(companies that run such schemes include NAPIT, NICEIC, ELECSA and
with an electrical contractor, but the range of apprenticeships
BSi). On receipt of the completed form, the scheme provider will arrange
available will depend on the local jobs market and the types of
to send an inspector to your place of work to assess your compliance
skills employers need from their workers. If you are not eligible
with BS7671, and visit a selection of recently completed installations. On
for such a scheme, you could learn the theory and some of the
passing this assessment and being registered as a domestic installer,
practical skills needed for the NVQ by taking the City & Guilds
you are permitted to certify your own work (self-certify). Thereafter, the
Technical Certificate in Electrotechnical Technology, levels
scheme provider is notified following each completed installation and
2 and 3, at a college. However, to become fully qualified you
keeps records of completed work, which it can provide as required to
must complete the work-based NVQ. Industry bodies strongly
local authorities and customers. You pay an annual fee to the provider to
recommend that you gain a placement or employment with
remain registered on the Qualified Supervisor (Part P) scheme.
an electrical contractor as soon as possible after you start the Certificate, so that you can complete the NVQ.
Due to recent changes in the regulations, it advisable to check with the scheme provider exactly which courses they recommend you have before making your registration. This will ensure that you do not waste
Plumbing
time or money on the wrong course(s). It is also worth ensuring that Plumbers install central heating systems,
you train with a reputable course provider – most of these will be ELC
controls and pipework; sanitary systems;
registered.
drainage systems; guttering and rainwater
If you would like to find out more, a good source of information is the
systems. Heating systems may be powered
Trade Skills 4U blog at www.tradeskills4u.co.uk/pages/tradeskills4u-blog
using electricity, gas, oil or solid fuel. Sometimes refrigeration and water purification
questonline.co.uk l January 2017
21
Q
COURSE CHOICES BUILDING TRADES
systems are also fitted (but see ‘Air
Plastering
Gas installation and maintenance
conditioning and refrigeration’, below).
Most people know about
Maintenance work includes routine
plasterers applying wet
Anyone working on gas
servicing and emergency repairs. Repair
finishes to walls, ceilings
appliances or fittings
work involves finding faults, replacing or
and floors; this is known
must be competent and
repairing damaged parts, carrying out
as solid plastering. Fibrous
registered with the Gas
tests and making sure everything works
plastering involves making ornamental
properly. A range of hand and power tools
plasterwork in a workshop – the kind
Competence can continue to be proven
are used to cut, bend and join metal and
you might see on decorative ceilings.
under the Accredited Certification
plastic pipes.
Plasterers have to be prepared to work at
Scheme (ACS) through a distance learning
Most plumbers in the UK work directly
Safe Register (GSR).
heights, and will spend most of their time
programme. ACS has a two-day core
for a plumbing or maintenance firm, while
indoors. Again, wage rates are set annually
domestic gas safety assessment and a
others, particularly in the domestic sector,
by BATJIC.
number of appliance assessments that
are self-employed. Plumbers work in a
Currently, demand for skilled labour
take half a day each. A competent student
team or alone, and, on domestic repair
outstrips supply so overtime and
should take five days to pass the full
and maintenance, tend to deal with clients
incentives are often available. Payment
domestic suite of qualifications.
direct.
to subcontracted labour tends to be at an
Energy & Utility Skills has developed
agreed price per linear metre of partition
a set of occupational standards and
Bricklaying
installed, so speed and accuracy can be
qualifications at levels 1 to 4. The objective
This is the job most likely to spring to
important. The work provides a high level
is that the resulting qualifications will be
mind in connection with
of job satisfaction, with plasterers often
as common as possible across industries to
the building trades. And
progressing to higher roles or even owning
enable workers freedom of employment in
though not the be-all-
their own companies.
the entire sector.
Carpentry and joinery (woodworking)
Air conditioning and refrigeration
and-end-all, it’s still has a significant part to play. Bricklayers use many different types of material to create different effects
Carpenters and joiners
The refrigeration and air
(such as ornamental walls and vaulted
prepare and put in place
conditioning (RAC) industry
archways). They also use a variety of
most of the wooden
is growing in importance:
specialist tools to spread mortar, cut
parts of buildings – from
ensuring that the air in
bricks or blocks to size, and to check that
floorboards and roof
particular environments
walls are perfect. If you’re considering this
trusses to expertly crafted windows
is neither too hot nor too cold calls for
role, you should enjoy working outdoors
and doors. They use very specialised
specialist skills. This is an environmentally
and be happy at heights. You should also
woodworking tools and work with many
friendly and highly technical industry – part
be physically fit, careful, accurate and
different kinds of wood. They often work
of the RAC engineer’s job is to ensure
able to follow detailed instructions from
in teams and have to be able to calculate
people and businesses are using energy
architects. Bricklayers often travel around
angles and dimensions to make sure
the country, and sometimes abroad.
everything fits. They need mathematical
Wage rates are set annually by the Building and Allied Trades Joint Industrial Council (BATJIC). Overtime and incentives
aptitude and generally have to be just as good with their heads as their hands. Wage rates are set annually by BATJIC,
THE CONSTRUCTION SKILLS CERTIFICATION SCHEME
are often available, and some bricklayers
with overtime
The CSCS was set up to help
progress to technical, supervisory and
and incentives
the construction industry
managerial roles.
often available.
improve quality and reduce
Carpenters and
accidents. CSCS cards are
joiners sometimes
increasingly demanded as proof
move into other
of occupational competence
Why choose the National Construction College?
It’s CITB’s network of colleges, training and assessing construction skills UK-wide www.citb.co.uk/training-courses/ why-choose-national-construction-college
allied occupations, including
Source: www.cscs.uk.com
formworking, shopfitting, bench joinery, maintenance work and interior systems installation; some
by contractors, public and private clients and others. They cover hundreds of building tradesrelated occupations so there is a card suitable for all roles (for example, ‘Craft
move into management or run
and Operative’ cards include those for
their own businesses.
bricklayers, carpenters and joiners, formworkers and plasterers). To find out more, visit: www.cscs.uk.com
22
January 2017 l questonline.co.uk
as efficiently as possible, by working with
You can find more information about
might start by learning the basics of a
renewable technology (special types of gas
working in this sector, and about relevant
trade, and go on to become an expert in
that don’t damage the ozone layer) and
training providers, on the websites of
a particular part of it, another might build
seeing how consumers can reduce their
the Chartered Institution of Building
a portfolio in a number of skills to qualify
energy consumption.
Services Engineers, the Air Conditioning
them for a supervisory role then general
and Refrigeration Industry Board (ACRIB)
management.
Careers in this industry may be roughly divided into two areas. Refrigeration
and SummitSkills (the standard-setting
engineers install, service and maintain
organisation for the building services
to hold registration or certification of
refrigeration systems in establishments
engineering sector) (for details of all of
competence and/or training in particular
like supermarkets, hospitals and food-
these, see ‘Key contacts’).
aspects of building skills to secure
processing plants. Air conditioning
Get qualified!
employment in the industry. Ambitious
engineers install, service and maintain
It is becoming increasingly necessary
Many of the trades discussed above are
people can start by gaining vocational
the systems that control and preserve
learned on the job, but the construction
qualifications in any of the trades
air quality, temperature and humidity
industry also has training schemes
described here while working, and develop
in locations such as schools and offices.
that combine working and education to
their skills through technical training,
Both may also work on construction sites,
produce qualifications that you can build
perhaps gaining certificates or diplomas,
depending on the type of work in which they specialise. To start out in this sector, you will need an NVQ or SVQ at level 2 or 3. After that, there is additional training you will need to complete in order to
Q
up over time to develop expertise in a
eventually becoming fully professionally qualified, perhaps even with a degree. Q
particular area. While one person
KEY CONTACTS
General
Semta (the Science, Engineering,
people start out as an apprentice straight
Find out more about the Building and Allied
Manufacturing and Technologies Alliance)
from school or college and train on the
Trades Joint Industrial Council (BATJIC), via:
0845 643 9001
job, if you are 25-plus you can still take an
Federation of Master Builders (FMB)
customerservices@semta.org.uk
become fully qualified. Although most
NVQ/SVQ without doing an apprenticeship
0330 333 7777
www.semta.org.uk
– however, to gain this qualification, you
reception@fmb.org.uk
@SemtaSkills
must be in a position to be assessed on
www.fmb.org.uk
site, carrying out work on real installations.
@fmbuilders
Plumbing, bricklaying, plastering, woodworking
As with an apprenticeship, you should be prepared to achieve the qualification over
Chartered Institution of Building Services
a number of years, not weeks or months
Engineers (CIBSE)
– there is no quick fix to gaining the right
020 8675 5211
www.citb.co.uk
qualifications and it is likely to take around
membership@cibse.org
@CITB_UK
four years.
www.cibse.org @CIBSE
CITB 0344 994 4400
Gas installation and maintenance Energy & Utility Skills Limited
SummitSkills
0845 077 9922
020 7313 4890
www.euskills.co.uk
enquiries@summitskills.org.uk
@EUSkills
www.summitskills.org.uk @SummitSkills
Gas Safe Register 0800 408 5500
Electrical installation and maintenance
enquiries@gassaferegister.co.uk
City & Guilds
www.gassaferegister.co.uk
0844 543 0000
@GasSafeRegister
centresupport@cityandguilds.com www.cityandguilds.com
Air conditioning and refrigeration
@cityandguilds
Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Industry Board (ACRIB)
Joint Industry Board
020 8254 7842
03333 218230
l.whittam@welplan.co.uk
administration@jib.org.uk
www.acrib.org.uk
www.jib.org.uk @JIBelectrical
questonline.co.uk l January 2017
23
S in the search box. Contact \[ TVYL VU consult their H^'JPSL_Service SH^ZJOVVSAdvisors HJ \R SSingle
Readers must BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
Gas training at Kier Gas training with you in mind
20 weeks complete L3 domestic gas course with GUARANTEED JOB INTERVIEW.
Kier Group is one of the leading construction, services, property and
Kier Group is one of the leading construction, services, property residential companies in the UK with 21,000 staff worldwide and an and residential in the UKsatisfaction with 16,000 staff annual turnover ofcompanies ÂŁ3bn. We have a 99% score fromworldwide our and an annual turnover of ÂŁ3bn. 298 people have trained previous learners, with most of them finding work after finishing. on one of our andstarted. 93.4% of previous learners are in employment. Give uscourses a call to get For more more information, information,contact contactus uson on0191 0800643 9992233 5427 or gastraining.info@kier.co.uk gastraining.info@kier.co.uk Visit www.gastrainingatkier.co.uk thelatest latestnews, news, www.kier-gastraining.co.uk forforthe case studies studies and and training trainingcourses. courses. March 2015 / www.questonline.co.uk
About the programme: The L3 Diploma in Gas Utilisation is our absolute beginners guide to Gas where you are taken through the theory and practical elements of core Gas and appliances in a safe and controlled environment. 1. 8 weeks in training centre for practical and theory training 2. 8 weeks on guaranteed placement 1:1 with a gas safe registered engineer
• Accredited asbestos training – as you could end up working in cavity spaces, under floors, up into roof spaces and it is essential you know what you are looking for incase you come across asbestos in homes. Your safety is paramount to us now and in the future. • BPEC HTR1 and CENWAT1 Once you have your certificates you can apply to Gas Safe for your card – you will be recognised as competent and legally allowed to work on gas.
3. 4 weeks back in centre to take final assessments Our Level 3 programme also includes: • Kier ID Badge, Uniform and PPE on arrival • Safe Isolation helping you understand the dangers of live electrics on boilers and how to work safely • CSCS Health & Safety test – to ensure that you have a general understanding of Health & Safety while you are out on site with us and for your new career
24
January 2017 l questonline.co.uk
Cost is ÂŁ6000 in total and the next available course dates are:
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Readers mustReaders consultmust their Single Service BEFORE committing consult their Single Advisors Service Advisors BEFORE committingtotocourses courses When responding to advertisements please mention When responding to advertisements please mentionQuest Quest
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35
25
Q Renewables RENEWABLES
ACCREDITATION •
ACS (Accredited Certification Scheme): any of the training you do should result in you gaining qualifications under ACS.
•
MCS (Microgeneration Certification
What’s involved?
in or alongside the construction industry,
Scheme): this independent scheme
Renewable energy is destined to become
there are courses you can attend on
provides customers with an assurance that
one of the fastest-growing sectors of the
which no previous knowledge is assumed
the product and/or installer meet rigorous
economy in the coming years, needing to
or required. If you wish to be an installer,
and tested standards and quality. If you
attract an array of talented people – perhaps
you will start at the beginning, training to
intend to work for an employer who already
as many as 50,000 in the next two decades.
be an electrician or plumber with a view
has this accreditation, then you will not
It offers a wide range of rewarding careers
to specialising in fitting solar PV panels or
need it. However, if you intend to start your
– particularly for those who are looking for
solar thermal systems. For non-installers,
own company or work freelance, then the
a career change and want to do something
training will give you a good overview of
accreditation will be invaluable.
challenging and worthwhile. This diverse
renewables in general.
career sector, which works hand in glove with more conventional building trades
Courses for installers
such as electrician or plumber, also has
For most installation and maintenance work,
knowledge of the renewables area will
government backing through its desire to
you will need to be an electrician or plumber
definitely be of interest to an employer.
improve the UK’s energy efficiency and be at
holding recognised qualifications (again, see
There are many basic short (one-, two- or
the forefront of renewable technologies and
the ‘Building trades’ article elsewhere in this
three-day courses) that raise awareness,
skills.
edition) before you can undertake further
knowledge and understanding of the sector.
training. That said, there is a huge range of
These have often been designed with
courses available that will give you practical
marketing, administrative staff and sales
For each renewable energy type (see the
training experience and further recognised
people in mind. Project management and
box titled ‘Renewable energy defined’)
qualifications that are specific to renewable
managerial roles may also require a degree
there is a range of job opportunities – from
energy systems. Courses commonly include
in a relevant area, and if you are planning
project management and engineering,
solar PV installation and maintenance for
this kind of further study there are specific
through designing, selling and marketing,
both domestic and larger buildings, solar PV
degree or postgraduate courses available in
to installation, maintenance and back-up
roofer courses, relevant health and safety
renewable energy. Q
services.
certification, unvented hot water courses
Finding employment
Get qualified!
Proof that you have some current
(essential for plumbers moving into solar thermal hot water installations), domestic
Whether you are seeking an administrative
wind turbine installations, installation of
role aligned to the building trades (see the
biomass boilers and installation of ground
RENEWABLE ENERGY DEFINED
feature elsewhere in this issue), or decide
source heat pumps.
•
that you would like to be an installer working
RenewableUK
Solar PV (photovoltaic) – a solar panel electricity system that uses energy from
Rainwater harvesting installation is the one area that doesn’t require you to be
the sun, which is then directly converted
a qualified plumber/electrician (although
into an electricity supply large enough to
RenewableUK is the UK’s leading not-for-
you will need to work alongside a qualified
profit renewable energy trade association.
plumber for the final connection). Training
Its vision is for renewable energy to play
for this type of installation will give you a
a leading role in powering the UK. As an
thorough background in the area, including
island the UK has some of the best natural
how to collect, store and use the rainwater.
run household lighting and appliances. •
Solar thermal – also uses the sun, but turns its energy into heat.
•
Wind turbines – work by using a turbine to convert the wind from kinetic energy into
resources in the world for wind, wave and
mechanical power.
tidal energy technologies, and RenewableUK
Courses for non-installers
believes that deploying them can generate
Throughout each of the renewable sources
and storing rainwater, which then has
significant power and benefit for the UK.
sectors in the building arena there is a need
a variety of uses domestically and on a
RenewableUK also acts as a central
•
Rainwater harvesting – literally capturing
larger scale.
for project managers, designers, engineers, office managers and other administrative
research, finding solutions, organising
staff, sales people, advisers and procurers.
from the ground by using buried pipes. It
events and facilitating networking.
All of these roles give Service leavers an
is used in all kinds of heating, including
To find out more, about RenewableUK,
•
Ground source heating – extracts heat
point of information, as well as conducting
underfloor systems.
ideal opportunity to use the core skills they gained in the Forces, such as teamwork,
benefit from membership, visit
initiative, meeting targets, organisational
such as wood, crops and so on (either alive
www.renewableuk.com
ability, working under pressure, drive and
or recently living) to produce heat through
clear communication skills.
combustion.
26
January 2017 l questonline.co.uk
•
Biomass heating – uses organic materials
the industry in general and how you could
Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
questonline.co.uk l January 2017
27
Q
COURSE CHOICES UTILITIES
Utilities need YOU!
Help to keep Britain running smoothly by directing your skills towards our vitally important utilities industry, covering gas, power, waste and water
AN INCREASING NUMBER OF EMPLOYERS ARE RECOGNISING THE BENEFITS THAT MILITARY EMPLOYEES CAN BRING TO THEIR ORGANISATION
28
What’s involved?
B
of gas-powered appliances in homes,
and water sectors. Increasingly, utilities
on to the mainland at reception points,
companies are merging or being acquired so
which are sometimes known as beach
that an organisation supplies more than one
terminals. The gas is transported at a
utility, or the utility is combined with other
very high pressure from the terminals to
operations. Some have foreign owners.
local distribution centres. National Grid’s
ritain’s utilities industry
commercial and industrial premises by gas
encompasses the gas, power
fitters/installers, called Gas Safe registered
(including electricity, nuclear,
engineers.
green and renewables), waste management
Gas is delivered from the gas producers
System Control Centre manages the flow
Gas
of gas from beach to end consumer. It uses
The gas industry is divided into two
telemetered data from all the operational
main subsectors. Gas transmission and
sites to monitor the system. The National
distribution covers all activities to do with
Control Centre operates and balances the
the journey that gas makes from the point
high-pressure NTS, while the Area Control
of origin, through the national transmission
Centre is responsible for the next level
system (NTS) pipeline and into local gas
down in the gas supply network: it ensures
distribution networks (GDN). Gas utilisation
that sufficient supply is available at the
includes the installation and maintenance
right place and the right time to meet
January 2017 l questonline.co.uk
All companies and their employees must be listed on the Gas Safe Register to operate legally. Everyone on the Register is required every five years to demonstrate ongoing competence in matters of gas safety.
Power Power generation, transmission, distribution, metering and supply involve approximately 950 electricity business units functioning across the UK. The vast majority of these businesses are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), but most of the employees in the industry are employed by the 50 larger organisations. The key areas within the electricity industry include generation, transmission, distribution and supply. Electricity is generated in gas, oil, coalfired, nuclear or hydro-electric power stations or wind farms, and an increasing range of renewable energy sources (see below). There are more than
THINK POWER!
2,000 generating stations in the
The National Skills Academy for Power has launched an initiative aimed at encouraging more people into the power sector. By challenging perceptions and introducing fresh ideas about the sector, Think Power promotes the careers and benefits on offer. This is an industry that offers job security, variety, career development and large-scale, important work. Added to that, there’s a real chance to tackle the future energy challenges affecting us all. To find out more, visit www.thinkpowersector.co.uk
UK. Generated electricity flows on to the NTS at a high voltage via a network of overhead lines, supported by steel pylons and underground high-voltage cables. The distribution network is made up of overhead lines and underground cables, which bring electricity from the transmission
Name: Natalie Chapman Final rank: LBdr Years served: 7 years, 10 months Current role: EDF Energy engineer
Natalie Chapman served as a LBdr in the Artillery, specialising in logistics, before leaving the Army in November 2015 after almost eight years of service, to seek a new career after a ‘change in her priorities’. She now works for EDF Energy as an engineer, a role she’s now been in for almost a year, which sees her ‘fit meters and deal with the electrical side of any problem with a meter or related to electricity that I can solve’. Natalie is thankful for the life experience she says she gained in all aspects of her Army career. While serving, she also gained a Logistics level 3 qualification. This saw her take up a role with Marks & Spencer on leaving the Services: ‘It was on the logistics side of things and I truly loved it, but it was only temporary until I started my EDF training.’ She continues: ‘The reason I went for this job is because it is nothing like the Army, although I think that the Army helped with my confidence, which I feel is the reason I got the job.’ Asked to tell QUEST what she particularly likes about her current role, she is very enthusiastic: ‘I love everything about it! I love the flexibility. I love the people I meet on a day-to-day basis. I love the way I get treated. I really like the hours I do. The pay could be more but I have a career where there is endless opportunity. Being a woman makes me no different to a man in my job, as EDF strives for equality. I can take leave whenever I like. I have a home life and can plan my life, whereas the Army stopped me doing that. I have taken a little drop in pay, but I am truly happy.’ In conclusion, Natalie has some useful advice for your own transition: ‘Be very prepared with everything. Do lots of research into jobs and houses. Get all the help available to you from the Services, to help ease the process of becoming a civilian. Make sure you have the support you need, from both Forces and family.’
network, via substations, to homes, factories and businesses. The supply
important renewable technology in terms
area of the industry involves the
of output. ‘Biofuels’ is a broad term that
companies that are responsible for
includes the combustion of biomass and
metering the supply of electricity and
wastes, gas from landfill sites and digestion
selling it to the consumer.
processes. The co-firing of biomass with
consumer demand. High-pressure gas is
fossil fuels in conventional stations is a
supplied to around 40 power stations and
Renewable energy
some large industrial companies.
In ten years’ time – in the UK alone – we’ll
The downstream sub-sector contains
I DID IT!
major source of renewable energy. With such a diverse range of
be able to generate only a fraction of the
renewables technologies, it’s not surprising
many self-employed people and very
power that we need, so it is essential that
that many different skills are required.
small companies, providing installation
we find new ways to create affordable,
Those you need will depend on whether
and maintenance services to industrial,
low-carbon power. That’s where so-called
you want to work in development,
commercial and domestic customers.
‘renewables’ come in. The concept of
Engineers also respond to reported gas
renewable energy covers a wide range of
escapes, fumes gassing, metering faults
very different types of fuel: solar, wind,
and reports of no gas. Many gas service
tidal, hydro and geothermal. In the UK,
engineers progress quickly in the industry
wind, hydro and biomass dominate. Wind
and go on to become supervisors and
turbines and wind farms, both on- and
managers, and many individuals remain
offshore, are the most recognisable form
in the industry for their whole career,
of renewable energy in the UK, and a
although they may move around different
major contributor to our energy needs,
employers.
while hydro-electricity remains the most
TRANSLATE YOUR SKILLS Some specific Service skills or trades that are likely to prove useful in the various utilities industries include: l fuel specialists l those trained in fuel technology l water engineers l electrical engineers.
questonline.co.uk l January 2017
29
Q
COURSE CHOICES UTILITIES
manufacturing and construction,
l
use of recycling bins and containers
The daily supply of drinking water is
operations, or in specialist work. Technical
l
hiring of skips and vans
constantly maintained to ensure the water
and engineering skills are obviously in
l
taking it to household waste and civic
we drink is clean and safe. It is not only
amenities sites.
the clean water that is important, it is the
demand by manufacturers and installation/ maintenance contractors. And, as the
Waste is usually transported by road,
dirty water too – the industry makes sure
specific technologies develop, they will give
although some is transported by rail and
that there is a sustainable process for
rise to demand for other specialist skills –
via the canal network. Recyclables may
the disposal of wastewater. Wastewater
offshore wind, wave and tidal projects will
be stored prior to processing. Waste
(sewage) leaves homes and businesses,
need those able to master marine offshore
management priorities are:
and is carried by pipes (the sewerage
technology challenges, for example, while
l
reduction (reducing the amount of
system) to sewage treatment works, where
the growth of biofuels will create demand
waste)
harmful substances are removed from the
for those with professional agricultural,
l
reuse
dirty water. Purified water is pumped from
environmental and planning qualifications.
l
retention (keeping the waste at source,
the water treatment works, through the
e.g. home composting)
water mains, to houses and industries. The
And, as the industry evolves, general management skills will be increasingly
l
recycling and composting
water companies take water from rivers,
valued.
l
recovery (incineration, waste-to-energy
boreholes and springs, and collect it in
plants)
man-made reservoirs. They then treat it
l
landfill with energy recovery
and distribute it to homes and businesses
l
landfill (last resort).
via an underground network of pipes. Some
To find out more, take a look at our renewables feature on page 26.
Waste management
of the water companies only supply water,
Waste is anything that is no longer wanted
Water
which means that they are responsible for
or required. The entire population of the
The water industry includes its catchment,
supply, treatment and distribution. Others
UK are waste producers. In addition, waste
storage, processing, transmission,
also supply wastewater services, so are
is produced by industrial, commercial
distribution, metering and supply, as well
responsible for sewerage services, and
and agricultural organisations. Waste
as the sewerage collection, transmission,
are involved with international operations,
management involves collection, re-use,
treatment and disposal of wastewater.
environmental consultancy and the design
recycling, recovery, treatment and final
The industry
management. Most companies in this
has an ongoing
sector operate regionally due to the high
programme of
cost of transporting waste. We produce
construction,
and use 20 times more plastic today than
operation and
we did 50 years ago. Waste is collected in a
maintenance
number of ways, including:
of the water
l
scheduled domestic and commercial
and wastewater
collections
infrastructure.
of new systems and
SKILLS SHORTAGES Taking into account the ageing workforce, infrastructure, expansion plans and the introduction of new technologies, it is now more important than ever for employers to focus on upskilling their workforce to keep Britain running. According to EU Skills, over the next five to ten years, the energy and utilities sector needs to recruit more than 14,000 people to replace those who are retiring or leaving organisations for new opportunities. Demand is high for skilled engineers and technicians, scientists, operatives and customer care staff, with flexibility and adaptability across all occupations.
plant. In addition to the main water companies, the industry uses contractors to carry out many activities, including maintenance and
EMPLOYERS ARE KEEN TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF PEOPLE SKILLS, TECHNICAL EXPERTISE, AND HIGH LEVELS OF SELF-MOTIVATION AND DISCIPLINE
30
January 2017 l questonline.co.uk
renewal of the whole of the water supply system. Many jobs in the water industry are
EU Skills has developed a set of
Installation and Maintenance at level 2
National and Scottish Vocational
or 3.
Qualifications (S/NVQs), full details of
highly skilled and well-qualified people are
which can be found on its website (see ‘Key
Finding employment
in great demand in an array of engineering,
contacts’).
Much employment is contracted out by the
science and technology-based industries.
The Science, Engineering and
major organisations to a number of smaller
Employment opportunities exist to ensure
Manufacturing Technologies Alliance
companies, which in turn subcontract the
there is continuous supply of clean drinking
(Semta) is an employer-led not-for-profit
work to local firms. Work is, therefore,
water to our homes and businesses, and
organisation responsible for developing
available locally and not advertised
a sustainable network for the disposal of
engineering skills to support the future
nationally. Q
wastewater. The water industry needs a vast range of people – from service pipe layers to scientists.
Related skills gained in the Services There is little direct relationship between the utilities and the Armed Forces. Nevertheless, many of the skills gained while in uniform are perfectly suited to the roles for which employers in the energy and utilities industries are recruiting. Generalist skills, such as supervisory management, project management and administration, are wanted, as are all manner of specialists. An increasing number of employers are recognising the benefits that military employees can bring to their organisation. There are a large number of transferable skills learned and demonstrated by high-
Q
calibre ex-military employees in their
of UK industry. It has a series of NVQs
former roles that make them excellent
at levels 2 and 3, as well as additional
candidates for positions in this sector.
qualifications in other disciplines.
Particular skills that employers in the
For electrical engineering, the basic
sector are keen to take advantage of are
requirement is now the 17th Edition Wiring
people skills, technical expertise, and high
Regulations, which show that the individual
levels of self-motivation and discipline.
knows the necessary regulations and how
There are resettlement training
to use them. An exam can be taken at the
courses available in some disciplines that
end of a one-week course, which leads to
are useful in the utilities sector. If possible,
the award of the level 3 City & Guilds 2381
talk with people who are already working in
qualification (good electrical knowledge is
the area to establish a reasonable starting
required).
point based on their skills and experience,
Anyone working on gas appliances or
and then look for the right courses and
fittings as a business must be competent
training.
and registered with the Gas Safe Register.
Get qualified!
If you have experience in the gas industry or related fields, you may be able to follow
A variety of nationally recognised multi-
the Nationally Accredited Certification
utility qualifications allow you to be
Scheme (ACS) route to registration.
qualified in a number of areas in the
This will allow you to gain certificates of
industry and minimise duplication of
competence that are accepted by the Gas
qualifications. These qualifications allow
Safe Register. Those with no industry
for easier migration of skilled individuals
experience may need to follow a more
from business to business, particularly for
formal qualification: Scottish/National
contracting companies.
Vocational Qualification (S/NVQ) in Gas
KEY CONTACTS
Energy & Utility Skills (EU Skills) 0845 077 9922 www.euskills.co.uk @EUSkills Gas Safe Register 0800 408 5500 enquiries@gassaferegister.co.uk www.gassaferegister.co.uk @GasSafeRegister National Skills Academy for Power www.power.nsacademy.co.uk @NSAPower Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies Alliance (Semta) 0845 643 9001 customerservices@semta.org.uk www.semta.org.uk @SemtaSkills Think Power 0845 01 323 01 enquiries@power.nsacademy.co.uk www.thinkpowersector.co.uk @ThinkPowerUK
questonline.co.uk l January 2017
31
Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
NEBOSH HEALTH AND SAFETY COURSES WE CAN HELP YOUR CAREER TRANSITION WITH OUR GLOBALLY RECOGNISED HEALTH AND SAFETY QUALIFICATIONS… Course One
Course Two
Course Three
NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety
NEBOSH National Certificate in Construction Health and Safety
NEBOSH National Certificate in Fire Safety and Risk Management
Course Four
Course Five
Course Six
NEBOSH International Technical Certifcate in Oil and Gas Operational Safety
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Q
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This summary of personal development and resettlement information should be used as guidance and direction to the appropriate Service or civilian authority.
Personal development and education opportunities What is Personal Development (PD)?
PD is about self-improvement and satisfaction. It is open to everyone and can be done for one or many of the following reasons: >> to improve knowledge for personal interest >> to be introduced to new ideas or skills >> to broaden horizons
>> to enhance in-Service career prospects >> to gain qualifications >> to prepare for a second career
PD won’t just happen. You must take steps to find out what’s available and decide what you want to do. Use the flow chart below as a guide
Other sources of information include:
Individual talks to line manager about developing a realistic plan and maintaining a PD record (PDR)
A PD Route Map
>> >> >> >> >> >> >> >>
Individual decides: >> subject to be studied and qualification (if any) >> level of study (basic/key skills, GCSE, S/NVQ, A-level, degree, postgraduate) >> mode of study (e.g. short courses, distance learning)
unit education or training officer in-Service publications in-Service education centre local library or civilian college the internet Quest magazine friends and family Quest website: questonline.co.uk
Q
In-Service
Local colleges or training providers
Distance/ open learning
eLearning – the Defence Learning Environment (DLE)
PD can mean anything from career courses to sports and adventurous training courses. See Q for other options for Service personnel
A range of further education (16+) and higher education (degree and above) courses are available. Ask your education/training officer or local college/library for a brochure
College attendance is not necessarily required. Flexible study can be undertaken by correspondence, or using the internet and tutorial support is usually available
There is now a huge amount of high-quality learning material freely available online to Armed Forces and Civil Service personnel, accessible either over the World Wide Web or via the Defence Intranet. The Defence Learning Environment (DLE) is the MOD’s central distance learning resource, providing ‘one stop’ access to a wide range of eLearning, courses, wikis, forums and other materials across a large number of key topics including: IT skills including ECDL, core competencies, health and safety, languages and business skills. Readily available via your Defence Gateway account. Visit http://www.da.mod.uk/ Courses/Online-E-Learning/DLE or www.defencegateway.mod.uk
Grants and funding are available for most forms of PD. See ‘Sources of advice and finance’ for details. Course complete? Look for your next learning!
Distance Learning
Q
Distance learning allows you to study at your own pace, no matter where you are. A range of schemes and courses are available but it requires discipline to organise your study time. Most colleges readily offer help and advice to their students. Standard Learning Credits (SLC) and Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) can be used for many of these courses but certain conditions may apply (see Sources of advice and finance).
To find out more, check out the article about distance learning on the Quest website: questonline.co.uk
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College Courses
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You may prefer to attend a part-time class, or short course, at a local college. Your education officer may have this information to hand and most colleges publish a brochure. Some people prefer to study in this more structured environment. You must gain authority from your unit to attend and it is worth seeking unit guidance before making any financial commitment. You may also be able to claim the SLC and ELC. In addition, many in-Service education centres run classes specifically for Forces people and families, especially overseas. Some are free and most are discounted for families. Contact your education/training officer for details.
Personal Development Record (PDR)
Q
Everyone should keep their own PDR in which they should record educational plus other PD achievements, appraisals and courses. It encourages people to assess and evaluate what they are doing, what they have learned, and where they are going in terms of career and personal development. Ask your education/training officer where you can get your copy.
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Sources of advice and finance Standard Learning Credits
Q
The SLC scheme allows personnel to obtain financial assistance for learning costs. You are able to claim 80% of your course fees, up to a maximum of £175 per financial year. To qualify for SLC funding, the course of study must lead to a nationally recognised qualification, have substantial developmental value and directly benefit the Service.
Enhanced Learning Credits
Q
The ELC scheme provides financial support in the form of a single up-front payment of up to £2,000 per annum (depending on length of Service) in each of a maximum of three separate financial years. The scheme is based on the principle that individuals will make a personal contribution towards the cost of their learning. The ELC contribution may be up to 80% of the gross course value. ELC funding is available only for courses that result in a nationally recognised qualification at level 3 or above on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) or Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) (England and Wales), at level 6 or above on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) or, if pursued overseas, an approved international equivalent qualification. For full details visit www.enhancedlearningcredits.com
Individual Resettlement Training Cost (IRTC)
Q
The IRTC grant exists to help towards the cost of resettlement training through the CTP or external training providers. The IRTC grant may not be used for Civilian Work Attachments but may be used in concert with a Learning Credit – Standard (SLC) or Enhanced (ELC) – for any course that is completed prior to the Service Leaver leaving the Service and subject to the relevant criteria of either scheme. (See JSP 898 Part 4.)
Further/Higher Education (FE/HE) Access
Q
The Ministry of Defence and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills offer eligible Service Leavers free FE/HE support for a first level 3 or Foundation Degree qualification. To be eligible, Service Leavers must have registered for the ELC scheme while in Service, complete a minimum of four years’ productive service, complete a minimum of four years’ ELC scheme membership, thus qualifying for the initial lower-tier support, or eight years’ membership, qualifying for the higher-level support, and take up the offer of free support within ten years of leaving Service. Local Education Authority (LEA) grants and low-interest student loans are available for anyone entering full-time education. They are means tested in that what you receive depends on your income and that of your family. If you are entering full-time education you should apply for one, even if you do not think you are eligible, otherwise you may not qualify for other benefits. Contact your LEA for details.
Professional and Career Development Loans These are designed to help people change direction or increase their skills by providing a deferred repayment loan of between £300 and £10,000 to cover up to 80% of tuition fees for a vocational course of up to two years, plus a further year’s work experience if appropriate. Courses can be full-time or part-time, or involve open or distance learning, and people who have been out of work for three months can apply to have all their course fees covered. The low-interest loan is arranged through one of four high-street banks, and certain conditions and criteria apply. Find out which banks offer the loan and order an application pack by calling the National Careers Service on Tel: 0800 100 900.
Resettlement Grant (RG)
Q
The RG is paid only if there are no other terminal benefits due (so, if someone is medically discharged after the RG trigger point, RG is not paid as other benefits become due). The amount payable depends on length of Service and on which pension type the SL is on. The current rate for eligible Service Leavers who are on the most recent pension scheme is £9,825. It can be as much as £17,824 on previous pension schemes.
Armed Forces Compensation Scheme
Q
The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) provides compensation for any injury, illness or death that is predominantly caused by service on or after 6 April 2005. The War Pension Scheme (WPS) compensates for any injury, illness or death that occurred up to this date. All current and former members of the UK Armed Forces, including Reservists, may submit a claim for compensation. For advice and guidance, call Veterans UK’s free helpline on 0808 1914218. Alternatively, you can visit: www.veterans-uk.info
Universities and Colleges Admissions Service UCAS deals with applications for first degree and similar standard courses at over 250 universities and colleges in the UK. Remember that you no longer need A-levels to go to university – vocational A-levels/NVQs and access courses now qualify students as well. If you are interested in entering higher education, call the UCAS hotline on Tel: 0371 468 0468 or visit www.ucas.com
University Short Courses
Q
The University Short Course Programme (USCP) exists to enhance the general educational development of Service personnel through providing short courses at a range of universities in topics such as leadership and management, regional and strategic studies, and languages. Course fees and accommodation costs are funded by the Services. Further details are available from education/learning centres or search in DINs.
learndirect learndirect is a free government service via which qualified advisers provide information on all aspects of learning, from UK-wide learning opportunities, to career guidance and sources of finance, and other national and local organisations that can help. Advisers can answer questions on any aspect of learning. The website address is www.learndirect.com The freephone number is Tel: 0800 101901.
Jobcentre Plus Finding a job
Jobcentre Plus has one of Britain’s largest databases of job vacancies, which is updated constantly. The database also lets you search for training, career information, voluntary work and childcare providers across the UK. You can search the database via Universal Jobmatch (www.gov.uk – search for ‘jobs’) or by using the Job Point in your local Jobcentre. When you find a job you are interested in, either using the Jobcentre Plus job search or at the Job Point in your local Jobcentre, Jobcentre advisers will tell you how to apply, send you an application form and may even contact the employer (so have your address, National Insurance number, date of birth and the job reference number to hand).
Benefits
If you’re unsure which benefits you can get, you can check online using the Gov.uk ‘Benefits calculators’ pages ( www.gov.uk – search for ‘benefits calculators’). To find out more about Jobseeker’s Allowance, who can get it and how to claim online, go to the Gov.uk ‘Jobseeker’s Allowance’ pages ( www.gov.uk – search for ‘Jobseeker’s Allowance’). You can also claim by phone by calling Jobcentre Plus on 0800 055 6688. There’s a Welsh-language line on 0800 012 1888, and a textphone on 0800 023 4888 if you find it hard to speak or hear clearly. Lines are open Monday to Friday 8am–6pm.
Armed Forces Champions
Q
Armed Forces Champions have been established in Jobcentre Plus districts throughout the country to ensure that the concerns of Service personnel and their families are addressed. Working with local bases and Families Federations, the role of the Champions is to raise awareness of the support available through Jobcentre Plus, such as information on the local labour market and how to claim benefits. (Any problems accessing Jobcentre Plus services can be fed through to local Champions via Unit Admin Offices.)
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Resettlement: Preparation for leaving the Forces
Official provider of career guidance, skills training and job finding assistance to leavers of the Armed Forces The Career Transition Partnership (CTP) is a partnering agreement between the MoD and Right Management to provide 3rd Line tri-service resettlement support. This consists of career transition services, training and job finding support for leavers of the Armed Forces. RFEA – The Forces Employment Charity – is an integral part of the CTP and leads on the provision of job opportunities and employment support. This provision is delivered from ten Resettlement Centres in the UK and Germany, and the Resettlement Training Centre (RTC) in Aldershot. The
CTP provides a number of workshops, seminars, one-to-one career advice, and a range of in-house resettlement training for entitled Service Leavers from up to two years before discharge. CTP RightJob is the CTP’s online job-finding service, listing thousands of live vacancies for Service Leavers from local, national and international employers. Contact the CTP on 020 7469 6661 or visit the website at www.ctp.org.uk
A Service Leaver’s route map Service leaver completed under 4 years’ Service: CTP Future Horizons – registration upon discharge
Employment Support Programme
>> Prepares PRP with Consultant >> Receives regional employment advice
No Service Leaver completed at least 4 years’ Service: registers with Career Transition Partnership (CTP)
Served more than 6 years – or medical discharge?
Attends Career Transition Workshop (CTW) or equivalent
Yes
Prepare Personal Resettlement Plan (PRP) with Career Consultant
Attends: • further CTP workshops • training at RTC/ Resettlement Centre • civilian training attachment • external training • Financial/Housing briefings
Receives advice on or notification of matched job opportunities
Makes job applications
Secures employment
Career Consultant led Wounded, Injured and Sick Service personnel: CTP Assist – registration upon discharge
ORANGE ELEMENTS ALSO AVAILABLE TO THOSE WITH 4–6 YEARS’ SERVICE
Develops, reviews and actions PRP: • further advice on: • career options • self-employment • job finding
• training • attachments • research activities • civilian work attachments Consultant supports and monitors progress
CTP support for up to 2 years after discharge; OA job finding support until retirement
Resettlement Services
Resettlement Centres
1st LINE The first stage in your resettlement process is with 1st Line, who offer information and administrative support. They are: >> RN – Education & Resettlement Officers (ERO) >> Army – Unit Resettlement Officers (URO) >> RAF – Resettlement & Education Co-ordinators (REC).
Career Transition Workshops (CTW), career counselling and other CTP workshops, briefings and events usually take place at one of the ten Resettlement Centres in the UK and Germany. Further information can be obtained from any of the Resettlement Centres listed below.
2nd LINE The principal task of 2nd Line is to provide advice and guidance on the resettlement package that will best suit the individual Service Leaver. For those entitled to CTP this will normally be a referral to a CTP consultant and/ or enrolment on a CTW, both of which will require the Service Leaver to be registered for CTP services. 2nd Line are: >> RN – Naval Resettlement Information Officers (NRIO), located at Base Learning Centres; for medical discharges the RN has a single 2nd Line point of contact referred to as NRIO (Medical) based in the Institute of Naval Medicine, Gosport >> Army – Individual Education and Resettlement Officers (IERO) and AGC(ETS) Officers are located at Army Education Centres (AEC) and Theatre Education Centres (TEC); AGC(ETS) Officers may deliver 2nd Line resettlement advice when deployed on operations and occasionally when IERO are unavailable >> RAF – Each Regional Resettlement Adviser (RRA) is allocated a group of RAF stations to visit on a regular programmed basis. 3rd LINE Resettlement support at 3rd Line is provided by the CTP as outlined at the top of this page and in more detail on its website at www.ctp.org.uk
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Resettlement Centre Aldergrove Tel: 02894 421639 Regional Resettlement Centre Aldershot Tel: 01252 348336/339 Regional Resettlement Centre Catterick Tel: 01748 872949/2922 Regional Resettlement Centre Cottesmore Tel: 01572 812241 (ext 7716) Resettlement Centre Germany Tel: 0049 5254 982 x 5448 Resettlement Centre Northolt Tel: 020 8842 6063/6064 Resettlement Centre Plymouth Tel: 01752 557635 Resettlement Centre Portsmouth Tel: 02392 724130 Regional Resettlement Centre Rosyth Tel: 01383 858230 Regional Resettlement Centre Tidworth Tel: 01980 650689
For the most up-to-date information, please visit www.ctp.org.uk
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Graduated Resettlement Time (GRT) GRT is the length of time that a Service Leaver is eligible to spend on resettlement activities, including workshops, training courses, civilian work attachments or individual resettlement provision.
Transition services and entitlements
Entitlement All Service Leavers, other than those discharged as Early Service Leavers, are entitled to receive the resettlement support detailed in the table below. Principle Longer service is rewarded with entitlement to increased resettlement time. All Medically Discharged Service Leavers automatically qualify for the maximum entitlement. Entitlement includes grants, allowances, travel warrants, resettlement leave, consultancy, transition workshops and subsidised training. Years’ Service 1. <1 2. 1+ 3. 4+ 4. 6+ 5. 8+ 6. 12+ 7. 16+
Normal Discharge
Medical Discharge(2)
CTP No No ESP FRP FRP FRP FRP
CTP GRT(1) FRP 10 FRP 30 FRP 30 FRP 30 FRP 30 FRP 30 FRP 35
GRT(1) 0 0 0 20 25 30 35
IRTC No No No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Outflow
<4 Years’ service or administratively discharged
IRTC Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Notes 1. Amount of GRT is in working days. 2. This includes Reservists who are Medically Discharged due to injuries sustained during operational commitments. ESP: Employment Support Programme FRP: Full Resettlement Programme
Duty Allowances for Resettlement Activities Individual entitlements to allowances are found in JSP 752 and other single-Service regulations. If in doubt, Service Leavers should ask their resettlement advisers or Unit HR for advice. As with other duty entitlements, payments made in the pursuance of resettlement are made only for ‘actuals’ and administered through Joint Personnel Administration (JPA) self-service menus. At all times, receipts must be retained and produced in the event that a Service Leaver is selected for audit. Service Leavers’ entitlement will depend upon the nature of their discharge and the length of their Service. When selecting a training provider to deliver resettlement services, Service Leavers should be aware that the MOD operates a ‘Local Training First’ policy. Wherever possible, resettlement training should be undertaken local to (i.e. within 50 miles by road or 90 minutes by public transport) Service or home accommodation. Notwithstanding this, external training, including training undertaken overseas, that will incur subsistence costs may be arranged through any training provider in the event that there is no available CTP in-house training or training providers that can deliver an equivalent training outcome locally. All overseas training (see overleaf) must survive HQ scrutiny; and all accommodation, UK or otherwise, other than that offered under exceptional residential arrangements, must be booked through the Defence Hotel Reservation Service (DHRS). All residential accommodation offered by training providers must be pre-authorised by the Unit.
For the most up-to-date information, please visit www.ctp.org.uk
• Vulnerability Assessment • Resettlement Brief • Resettlement Interview • Gateway to 3rd Sector:
– Housing – Finance – Social Benefits – Employment – Pensions – Health
Employment Support Programme >4<6 Years’ Service
• Job-Finding Service • ‘RightJob’ Access • Consultant Interview • Housing Brief • Financial Aspects of Resettlement Brief • Access (on a standby basis) to 50 Various Resettlement Training Centre Courses • Post Discharge Consultant Support (up to 2 years) • Employment Fairs and Events
Full Resettlement Programme >6 Years’ Service
• IRTC Grant (£534) • Resettlement Leave (up to 35 days) • Career Transition Workshop (3 days) • Other Workshops – Self-Employment Awareness – Small Business Start-Up – CV Writing – Interview Skills – Networking • Career Consultancy • Travel Warrants (up to 7) • ‘RightJob’ Access • Financial Aspects of Resettlement Brief • Housing Brief • Access to 50 Various Resettlement Training Centre Courses • Post Discharge Consultant Support (up to 2 years) • Employment Fairs and Events
Standard Learning Credits Enhanced Learning Credit Access to first FE/HE Qualification Resettlement Grant - Officers with 9 years service up to £14,686 - Other Ranks with 12 years service who are AFPS 75 up to £10,302 - Officers (9 years) and Other Ranks (12 years) who are AFPS 05 up to £10,302
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Resettlement Training
Service Leaver Support Teams (SLSTs)
Training provided by the CTP
Can be found at Army UK divisional and district HQs and at some regional brigades. They provide Service Leavers with information and help on a wide variety of subjects, including employment, housing, schooling, finance and other resettlement issues. They work in close cooperation with other agencies, including the RFEA, single-Service specialists and the CTP.
Skills training takes place at the Resettlement Training Centre (RTC) in Aldershot and at a selection of Resettlement Centres. The RTC has bespoke workshops within its Building and Engineering Departments, and also offers Management and IT courses. Many of those on offer result in civilian-recognised qualifications. To find out more about the wide range of courses available, and to search for dates and locations, visit our website at www.ctp.org.uk For all other enquiries, to check availability, or to make a booking or payment, contact our Course Booking & Information Centre (CBIC): Civilian: Tel: 02894 456 200 Military: Tel: 9491 56 200 Email: coursebookings@ctp.org.uk
Training provided by Preferred Suppliers ThePreferred Suppliers List (PSL) identifies a range of local training providers offering some of the most common vocational training that Service Leavers undertake. In order to qualify for the PSL, the training organisation is obliged to demonstrate financial reliability, appropriate insurance cover, past performance, future plans, training facilities, accreditation levels and quality standards. The PSL is published at www.ctp.org.uk and is also held in each of the Resettlement Centres. Preferred Supplier status is subject to continuous evaluation, on each course by the Service Leaver, by the CTP and by annual review.
Overseas Resettlement Training Resettlement training should, wherever possible, be undertaken either in-house (given the value for money and quality assurance available on those courses) or locally in recognition of the local training first policy. Authorisation for overseas resettlement training can only be made by HQ SDE staff on a case-by-case basis and through the intelligent application of the following conditions. >> The training outcome is not available under the local training first policy, either within the UK for those serving in UK or within their normal theatre of operations for those serving overseas. >> The total costs of the training overseas to the MOD, including eligible subsistence allowances and travel costs, which will be claimed under current regulations, are less than those that would be incurred if undertaking the training in the UK, i.e. the value for money consideration. >> SDE staff have reasonable assurance of the quality of the training and its recognition by UK employers. Any request for overseas training must arrive with SDE HQ staff at least eight weeks in advance of the intended departure date, to enable the necessary political clearances for successful applications to be made.
CTP RightJob CTP RightJob is the CTP’s online job-finding service, listing thousands of live vacancies for Service Leavers from local, national and international employers. The CTP works with hundreds of organisations that recognise the benefits of recruiting from the ex-military talent pool, and value the experience and strong working ethos Service Leavers bring with them. The site is accessed via the CTP website and the login required is issued during CTWs. Call the Central Employment Team for more information, on 0121 236 0058.
Useful CTP Contacts TO BOOK A CTP WORKSHOP OR BRIEFING…
Call our central line 0203 162 4410 For booking your Career Transition Workshop (CTW) or any other workshop or briefing. (This is a not a premium rate number and you should only be charged at the normal national rate, dependent on the phone provider) Alternatively, if you are calling from a military line, contact the Resettlement Centre running the workshop which is normally the Resettlement Centre that you are registered with for your resettlement. Contact details can be found in the list of Resettlement Centres provided earlier in Factfile. CALL OUR COURSE BOOKING & INFORMATION CENTRE (CBIC) Civilian: Tel: 02894 456 200 Military: Tel: 9491 56 200 or Email: coursebookings@ctp.org.uk
FOR RIGHTJOB ASSISTANCE…
CALL OUR CENTRAL EMPLOYMENT TEAM (CET) Tel: 0121 236 0058 If you have forgotten your RightJob password, have been locked out of your account or require support using RightJob.
CTP Employment Events
CTP Future Horizons
Our events can be of great benefit and provide an excellent opportunity to network with potential employers and discuss the job market in general, as well as within specific industry sectors. The main types that we hold are: >> Employment Fairs – attended by a wide range of national and local employers, seeking the skills, quality and experience that Service Leavers have >> Live Online Chat Events – enable Service Leavers to chat one-to-one with employers during dedicated time slots, about their company, current vacancies and any training needs >> Company Presentations – these focus on one particular company, which is normally actively recruiting for a number of vacancies. >> Search for upcoming CTP events on our website at www.ctp.org.uk
CTP Future Horizons understands that leaving the Armed Forces is a key point in the lives of all Service Leavers, and believes that everyone who has served, even for a short period of time, is entitled to support in transitioning from the military into civilian life. The programme will provide support and assistance to enable you to find suitable employment upon leaving the Armed Forces. Through its network of partners, it will link you in to the most appropriate level of support you need to help with the transition. CTP Future Horizons has been developed in response to the recognition and commitment from the MoD to improve resettlement provision to Early Service Leavers (ESLs). It is open to ESLs across all Services, regardless of how long you have served or the reasons you have for leaving. The programme has been designed and is delivered by the RFEA – The Forces Employment Charity. To discuss any aspect of CTP Future Horizons, please call Darren Bickerstaffe, Programme Manager, on 07428 705 770 or meet with a CTP Future Horizons assessor at the following locations: >> ITC Catterick, Hook Company: 01748 872949/2922 >> ATC Pirbright, Sword Company: 01483 798614 >> Resettlement Centre Plymouth: 01752 557635 Follow Future Horizons on Facebook, and receive the latest news and updates from the programme.
RFEA – The Forces Employment Charity We exist to provide life-long, life-changing support, jobs and training opportunities to Service leavers and veterans, irrespective of circumstances, rank, length of service or reason for leaving. Founded in 1885 and operating across the UK, we have the specialist knowledge and understanding to bridge the gap between military life and civilian employment. We work in partnership with other organisations and employers who, like us, respect and value the unique qualities and abilities of all those who have served. We are the leading provider of job opportunities and employment advice for ex-Forces men and women. We have thousands of job opportunities with employers who value military experience. We advise you on careers suited to you and we know which employers are recruiting in your area. We work with you so that you have a good CV, and support you through the application and interview process. To register with us … Tel: 0121 2360 058 Website: www.rfea.org.uk
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CTP Assist CTP Assist aims to help wounded, injured and sick Service personnel who have the greatest need to find a new, fulfilling career that meets their individual needs, and to assist them in moving on with their lives. The support given will help to pinpoint a rewarding and realistic change of career. Service leavers who are likely to be medically discharged and are ready to engage in resettlement will be referred to the programme by their Chain of Command. To find out more about how CTP Assist can support you, visit www.ctpassist.ctp.org.uk
Sponsored by
Tel: 01908 587665 www.gastectraining.co.uk
Making the transition Even if you have a job to go to on leaving the Armed Forces, you are still strongly advised to attend the CTP Career Transition Workshop (CTW), along with any other that you will find of benefit, such as CV Writing or Interview Techniques. The purpose of these workshops is to help you to recognise and assess your options and learn
skills in order to approach the civilian workplace and market yourself to a future employer. These are skills that are important to develop for life, and not just for your next job. If you don’t go – you won’t know.
The Self-Marketing Approach is based on the application of well-established marketing concepts to the task of getting a new job. Marketing is about delivering products and services to meet customers needs. In this case, you are the product, the customer is your next employer. Your task is to persuade the customer that the range of benefits, which you bring, match his or her needs.
Throughout our lives we are faced with choices or options and as you prepare to leave the Services, you are potentially about to face some of your biggest ones yet. You can never start this preparation early enough, so plan your resettlement carefully and thoroughly. In order to commence a successful self-marketing campaign one of the first things you should do is to decide what it is you wish to achieve.
Define the product
Understand the world of work
>> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >> >> >>
Identify as wide a range of your skills and experience as you can From these, you can choose which ones match what the employer wants Demonstrate your value to the employer List your successes Focus on skills and attitudes rather than tasks Identify transferable skills Learn to think in terms of product (you) and customer (your next employer) Remember, customers buy benefits Define yourself in terms of unique selling propositions (USPs)
Prepare self-marketing literature Your CV should include: >> a personal profile – your USP >> major achievements – the benefits you brought to current and previous jobs >> a focus on your transferable skills Your CV should avoid mentioning: >> details of salary >> references >> any negative aspects of your career to date >> clichés, jargon, abbreviations and untruths
What has changed since you joined the Services? How do those changes affect you? How do you effectively manage your own career? What are the different patterns of work? What do you want from a company? How do you negotiate a salary package?
Identify your interests and skills >> >> >> >> >>
What are your interests? What transferable skills do you have? What training or qualifications have you done? Can you identify what you have achieved so far? Does all this help you decide what to do next?
Proactive networking >> >> >> >>
How do you establish a useful network? How do you use networks to help you research? How can networks help you into a job? How can networks help with career development?
Research the market
Networking advice
>> >> >> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >> >> >>
Decide on sectors, geographical areas etc. Use directories, databases, internet etc. Ask for information Use your personal network Use industry associations, chambers of commerce etc. Attend jobfairs and conferences
Implement a marketing campaign Use a variety of approaches, including: >> responding to advertisements >> direct approaches by phone and letter >> networking >> employment agencies >> develop a system and keep records of all activities >> follow up approaches systematically >> learn from your mistakes
Start early Create mutually supportive relationships Use these at all stages of career development, not just at time of job change Networks are useful information sources Successful people develop networks Use them to market yourself and your organisation
The CTP can help you find the answers to these questions through attending workshops and one-to-one sessions with your Career Consultant. If you are not yet registered with the CTP, speak to your local Resettlement Officer or Service Resettlement Advisor for further advice.
Sell yourself on a face-to-face basis >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >>
Research the employer Prepare interview responses Dress appropriately Arrive early; impress everybody you meet Smile Avoid crossing arms and legs when sitting Maintain eye contact Answer questions honestly, but focus on the positive Manage the interview to match your benefits to the employer’s needs Prepare questions that you can ask the interviewer Seek feedback and learn from mistakes
For the most up-to-date information, please visit www.ctp.org.uk questonline.co.uk l January 2017
43
Q Courses and events COURSES AND EVENTS
This guide includes the courses currently scheduled to run from February to April 2017 Additional courses may be scheduled by each Resettlement Centre according to demand. A list of all scheduled courses is available from your nearest Resettlement Centre. All the dates given should be confirmed with the relevant Resettlement Centres. Dates are correct at time of going to press.
To book onto any CTP courses, workshops or events, please call the central bookings team on 0203 162 4410 Visit www.ctp.org.uk for further details
RC Aldergrove
rcaldergrove@ctp.org.uk
Self Employment Awareness
Housing
08 March 2017
21 February 2017
08 March 2017
RRC Catterick
Self Employment Awareness
START DATE END DATE
rrccottesmore@ctp.org.uk
CTW Junior Ranks
START DATE END DATE
START DATE END DATE CTW Mixed Class 06 February 2017 06 March 2017 10 April 2017
08 February 2017 08 March 2017 12 April 2017
Employment Support Programme Wksp 15 February 2017 15 March 2017 06 April 2017
15 February 2017 15 March 2017 06 April 2017
Housing 09 February 2017
09 February 2017
RRC Aldershot rrcaldershot@ctp.org.uk
START DATE END DATE CTW Junior Ranks 07 February 2017 21 February 2017 07 March 2017 04 April 2017
09 February 2017 23 February 2017 09 March 2017 06 April 2017
CTW Mixed Class 13 February 2017 15 February 2017 (Course location Brize Norton) 06 March 2017 08 March 2017 (Course location Brize Norton)
CTW Officer 28 March 2017
30 March 2017
CTW SNCO 14 February 2017 14 March 2017
16 February 2017 16 March 2017
Employment Support Programme Wksp 06 February 2017 02 March 2017
06 February 2017 02 March 2017
FAR All Ranks 08 February 2017 08 February 2017 (Course location The Bell, St Omer Barracks)
Housing 05 April 2017 05 April 2017 (Course location The Bell, St Omer Barracks)
Interview Techniques 28 February 2017
28 February 2017
New Horizons in Retirement 14 February 2017
44
14 February 2017
21 February 2017
rrccatterick@ctp.org.uk
07 February 2017 27 February 2017 28 February 2017 27 March 2017 28 March 2017 24 April 2017
09 February 2017 01 March 2017 02 March 2017 29 March 2017 30 March 2017 26 April 2017
CTW Mixed Class 06 February 2017 08 February 2017 (Course location Cyprus) 14 February 2017 16 February 2017 (Course location Preston)
CTW Officer/SNCO 06 March 2017 21 March 2017 03 April 2017 25 April 2017
08 March 2017 23 March 2017 05 April 2017 27 July 2017
Employment Support Programme Wksp 09 February 2017 09 February 2017 (Course location Cyprus) 14 February 2017 14 February 2017 07 March 2017 07 March 2017 22 March 2017 22 March 2017 24 April 2017 24 April 2017
FAR All Ranks 28 March 2017
28 March 2017
Housing 15 March 2017
15 March 2017
Self Employment Awareness 03 April 2017
03 April 2017
RRC Colchester rrcnortholt@ctp.org.uk
START DATE END DATE CTW Mixed Class 06 February 2017 13 February 2017 06 March 2017 20 March 2017 03 April 2017 24 April 2017
08 February 2017 15 February 2017 08 March 2017 22 March 2017 05 April 2017 26 April 2017
Employment Support Programme Wksp 16 February 2017 30 March 2017 25 April 2017
17 February 2017 31 March 2017 26 April 2017
20 February 2017
20 February 2017
RRC Cottesmore
20 February 2017 27 March 2017 24 April 2017
20 February 2017 27 March 2017 24 April 2017
FAR All Ranks 23 February 2017
23 February 2017
German CV Writing 20 March 2017
20 March 2017
29 March 2017
29 March 2017
CTW Junior Ranks
Housing
27 February 2017 10 April 2017
01 March 2017 12 April 2017
Self Employment Awareness
07 February 2017 13 February 2017 20 February 2017 21 February 2017 06 March 2017 13 March 2017 14 March 2017 20 March 2017 27 March 2017 28 March 2017 18 April 2017 24 April 2017 25 April 2017
09 February 2017 15 February 2017 22 February 2017 23 February 2017 08 March 2017 15 March 2017 16 March 2017 22 March 2017 29 March 2017 30 March 2017 20 April 2017 26 April 2017 27 April 2017
CTW Mixed Class
06 April 2017
06 April 2017
Central London
resettlementinfo@ctp.org.uk START DATE END DATE CTW Senior Officer 07 February 2017 21 March 2017 04 April 2017
09 February 2017 23 March 2017 06 April 2017
FAR Senior Officers
CTW Officer/SNCO
16 February 2017 16 February 2017 (Course location RC Northolt)
28 February 2017 02 March 2017 03 April 2017 05 April 2017
Interview Techniques (Snr Officer)
Employment Support Programme Wksp
20 February 2017 20 March 2017
06 February 2017 20 March 2017
RC Northolt
06 February 2017 20 March 2017
20 February 2017 20 March 2017
rcnortholt@ctp.org.uk
FAR All Ranks 09 March 2017 09 March 2017 (Course location External Venue)
START DATE END DATE
Housing
CTW Mixed Class
22 February 2017 22 February 2017 (Course location External Venue)
Self Employment Awareness 23 February 2017 30 March 2017 27 April 2017
23 February 2017 30 March 2017 27 April 2017
RC Germany
rcgermany@ctp.org.uk START DATE END DATE CTW Junior Ranks 28 February 2017 21 March 2017 25 April 2017
02 March 2017 23 March 2017 27 April 2017
07 March 2017 03 April 2017
09 March 2017 05 April 2017
CTW Officer/SNCO
Visit www.ctp.org.uk for further details January 2017 l questonline.co.uk
Employment Support Programme Wksp
06 February 2017 13 February 2017 27 February 2017 13 March 2017 03 April 2017
08 February 2017 15 February 2017 01 March 2017 15 March 2017 05 April 2017
06 March 2017 27 March 2017 24 April 2017
08 March 2017 29 March 2017 26 April 2017
06 April 2017
06 April 2017
CTW Officer
Employment Support Programme Workshop Self Employment Awareness 22 March 2017
22 March 2017
Course notes
Engineering your CTW SNCO RC Plymouth way to the top rcplymouth@ctp.org.uk
Accredited CompetenceFAR inAllGeneral FAR All Ranks Ranks Locksmithing level 3 course
13 February 2017 10 April 2017
M
15 February 2017 12 April 2017
01 March 2017
01 March 2017
A
09 February 2017 09 February 2017 (Course location 1 RHA Lecture Theatre) Aprillock 2017 Metal04 door bodies 04 April 2017 Knob(Course sets location 1 RHA Lecture Theatre)
echanical engineer 1 Safe &Housing Secure’s level 3 course is Employment Support 09 March 2017 09 March 2017 Alexander completed conducted over a three‐week period, START DATE Bill END DATE Programme Wksp his MBA part‐time at Aston comprising two weeks in the technical 23 February 2017 23 February 2017 Self Employment Awareness Pad locks New Horizons in Retirement CTW Junior Ranks Business School and, three workshop and one week’s field 30 March 2017 30 March 2017 02 February 2017 02training. February 2017Locker 03locks April 2017 03 April 2017 06 February 2017 08 February 2017 months after graduating, 27 April 2017 27 April 2017 Lever rim locks (Field training can be arranged at a later 13 March 2017 15 March 2017 Employment Awareness landed a senior role global 03 April 2017 05 with April 2017 BulletSelf warded mortice locks 2/3 lever date for convenience.) The aim of the FAR All Ranks 27 February 2017 27 February 2017 transport business Alstom. rrctidworth@ctp.org.uk Sash and dead locks 2/3/5 lever 2017 workshop training is for you to gain in‐ 15 March 2017 15 March 2017 27 March 2017 27 March CTWAlex Mixed Class began his career at 5 lever24British Standard24 mortice locks depth technical knowledge of the April 2017 April 2017 27 February 2017 01 March 2017 Alstom more than a decade Housing START DATEyou END locksmith trade, allowing to DATE APG door locks 06 March 2017 08 March 2017 02 February 2017 02 February 2017 ago as a2017 commissioning 14 March 16 March 2017 Digital locks understand the workings of the majority CTW Junior Ranks (Course location Culdrose) engineer. He rose to the Lock fitting of locks you06 will come across in The Aston Business School February 2017 08 February 2017 Interview Techniques 27 March 2017 29 March and 2017 position of sales manager MBA24 helped Alex Bill progress customers premises be2017 they domestic or2017 Key cutting 13 February 15 February February 2017 24 February 2017 24 April 2017 26 April 2017 his career then operations manager, but commercial.20 February 2017 22 February 2017 Safes 06 April 2017 06 April 2017 2017 March 2017 Car opening found the commercial and You will06beMarch taught to strip08 and CTW Officer/SNCO 13 March 2017 15 March 2017 Self Employment 20 February 2017 22 February 2017 business side of selling and delivering advanced industrialAwareness Specialist non‐destructive lock opening assemble locks, make keys for them by 20 March 2017 22 March 2017 14 February 2017 14 February 2017 20 March 2017 March 2017 services exciting. 22 Says Alex, ‘Following a really successful techniques hand and machine, and pick them open. 03 April 2017 05 April 2017 20 April 2017 20 April 2017 project, the station director of a client was talking to me You will also be taught other opening Employment Support CTWspecialist Mixed Class about the MBA he had done at Aston – it sounded very One‐week field training methods using equipment. You Programme Wksp 27 March 2017 29 March 2017 interesting and appealing. He2017 actively encouraged me to do 09 February 2017 09 February Week three of your course will be spent will be trained on locking systems that rrcrosyth@ctp.org.uk 10 April 2017 12 April 2017 06 April 06 I’m Aprilglad 2017 that I did! one for2017 myself. And are found on aluminium and2017 out with a locksmith doing daily work on 24wooden, April 2017 26 April ‘It has had a number of benefits, not just for myself, but a hands‐on basis. You will not just be an UPVC doors, as well as in what to expect START DATE END DATE FAR All Ranks CTW Officer also directly for Alstom Power. For example, it has enabled observer, you will be doing the work as when coming across steel doors found on 02 February 2017 02 February 2017 February 2017 16 February 2017 CTW Junior Ranks me to impact the profitability of our service operations. At well. This is designed to give you commercial14premises, such as final‐exit 14 March 2017 16 March 2017 13 February 2017 15 February 2017 Interview Techniques the same time, the improvements to my skills when doors and grill‐type gates. 25 April 2017 27 April 2017 invaluable experience in situations that (Course location Kinloss) 23 February 2017 23 February 2017 presenting and communicating to a wide range of audiences may arise, especially dealing with the Along with all of the above you will 21 February 2017 23 February 2017 – from the shop floor to very senior managers – have been CTW Officer/SNCO public if you have never done this be given sound advice from professionals (Course location Faslane) Self Employment Awareness 2017 02 March 2017 before. Please note that we can arrange 27 February 2017 01 March 2017 very noticeable.’ 28 March 2017 28 March 2017 with regard28 toFebruary the financial side of your 28 March 2017 02 April 2017 13 March 2017 between 15 March 2017 Alex adds, ‘It was challenging to find a balance for you to complete this week separately business. You will be given guidance on 19 April 2017 21 April 2017 13 March 2017 15 March 2017 carrying out my day job, going to lectures, studying at the at a later date if this is more suitable. what stock to put in your vehicle, how 21 March 2017 23 March 2017 weekends and my family. However, Aston waslocation great, and rcportsmouth@ctp.org.uk SNCO Class hours are 9 am–4 pm. your vehicleCTW should be laid out and (Course Faslane) 07 February 2017 very flexible. When, towards the end of27my second myMarch 2017 March 2017 year, 29 equipped, and even what type09 ofFebruary vehicle 2017 21 February 2017 23 February 2017 03 April daughterDATE was born I was able to rearrange my 2017 exams. 05 April 2017 START END DATE This is without doubt the best locksmith to use. We will also help you to acquire 07 March 2017 09 March 2017 10 April 2017 12 April 2017 Likewise, for my MBA dissertation, Aston was just as accounts at21 the major locksmith supply March 2017 23 March 2017 training course available anywhere in the (Course location Kinloss) CTW Junior Ranks flexible. UK today and, on successful completion, companies in the country. These 18 April 2017 20 April 2017 06 February 2017 08 February 2017 Employment ‘One2017 of the most valuable learnedlocation was how to Faslane) 06 March 08 March 2017things I (Course you will be awarded your level 3 NCFE accounts will allow you toSupport purchase, at Programme Wksp April 2017 26 April 2017 03 April 2017 05 Aprila2017 analyse and understand wide range of24complex and often National Accredited Certificate in trade price, stock for your van, tools and 10 January 2017 10 January 2017 then synthesise incomplete sources of information, and any specialist requirements that you may 24 January 2017 24 January 2017 Locksmithing. CTW Officer/SNCO CTW Mixed Class them into a coherent and compelling argument and short If you have any questions or would have. also receive of 2017 07 February 2017 a full 07 set February 06 February 2017 08 February 2017 You will 27 February 2017 01 March 2017 21 February 2017 21 February presentation gets straight course notes. All of this is backed‐up by2017 like to book a course, please call 01432 22 March 2017 that 24 March 2017 to the point. 07 March 2017 March 2017 Self Employment 18 April 2017 20 April gave 2017 me the knowledge ‘The MBA definitely and skillsAwareness to 341257. a free 24‐hour helpline should07you have 21 March 2017 21 March 2017 12 January to 2017 12 January 2017 progress my career, helping me to be promoted general problems while trading. 28 March 2017 28 March 2017 16 February 2017 16 February 2017 CTW Officer manager.’ 04 April 2017 04 April 2017 16 March 2017 16 March 2017
RRC Tidworth
RRC Rosyth
RC Portsmouth
20 February 2017 27 March 2017 24 April 2017
Get in touch
22 February 2017 29 March 2017 26 April 2017
Tel: 0121 204 3099 email: mba@aston.ac.uk Web: www.aston.ac.uk
Visit
See the advertisement on page 2
April 2017 25 April 2017 Two‐week 25 technical workshop Get in touch Subjects covered Tel: 01432 341257 Pin tumbler locks email: saslocksandtraining@gmail.com Disc locks Web: www.safeandsecurelocksmithcourses.co.uk Radial locks Pin‐tumbler locks bodies www.ctp.org.uk for further details See the advertisement on page 39 UPVC lock bodies
Safe departures take more than pilots; train to become an
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www.courses4forces.co.uk questonline.co.uk l January 2017
45
Is organising an Event for our Service Leavers
Thursday 23rd February 2017 Day Session 13.00 – 17.00 Evening Networking Session – 19.00 – 22.00 (SNCOs & Officers only)
School of Army Aeronautical Engineering (SAAE) The Prince Philip Barracks, Lyneham All transitioning personnel who are in their last 2 years of service are invited to attend This event is for all ranks and offers an opportunity to understand best CV practice from a number of key companies and to enable them to have a direct contact with prospective employers
This will be a fantastic opportunity to engage with companies and help with your transition into civilian life
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The only resource you’ll need throughout your Service and transition. For all things ELC, as well as courses, careers and resettlement guidance, look out for new, improved QUEST – coming February 2017! questmagazine
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